ST. LUNAIRE-GRIQUET, NL — The provincial government is spending more than $154,000 to two tourism initiatives on the Northern Peninusla.
Dark Tickle Expeditions, located in St. Lunaire-Griquet, us using a $137,107 term loan under the Business Investment Fund to develop a new and innovative visitor experience, according to the press release issued Monday (April 2).
The money will support the acquisition of a new motorized tour vessel and an interpretation program for visitors to learn more about the region’s unique culture and heritage. Through technology, guests will view historical building footprints and remnants of early European fishing and hunting structures as well as natural features such as icebergs, headlands, flora and fauna, and historical elements of the underwater realm.
“Unique projects such as this take a lot of time, money, and effort to develop,” stated Kier Knudsen of The Dark Tickle Company. “Provincial programs like the Business Investment Fund enable entrepreneurs to develop new ideas and products, subsequently enhancing the region as a whole.”
The Light Keepers Café Limited will receive $17,500 from the Business Development Support Program to implement a marketing plan for the Light Keepers Café/Great Viking Feast.
The appeal for this business is its location and history, and a new marketing plan can help further promote the company and community to increase the length of the operating season.
The Light Keeper’s Café offers two unique dining experiences, including a dinner theatre at Leif’s Burdir — the Great Viking Feast. It is the only sod covered restaurant in North America, according to the press release, which replicates a 1,000-year-old Viking residence.
“The support of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, through the marketing program is helping us promote and grow our business through new and innovative marketing initiatives,” stated Shirley Woodward and Chris Moss of the Light Keepers Café Limited/Great Viking Feast.
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation Minister Christopher Mitchelmore says these investments give visitors another reason to explore and discover the Northern Peninsula.
“Visitors who don’t mind travelling off the beaten path to search for adventurous experiences are in for a treat when they arrive to the region and experience the top-notch services,” he stated.
