City Partners for Geotourism MapGuide and Website

The National Geographic Eastern Newfoundland Geotourism mapguide and website was launched earlier today at a ceremony at the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation.

The event included a hike along the East Coast Trail from Signal Hill National Historic Site to the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation; a Taste of Newfoundland and Labrador with the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador at Quidi Vidi Brewery; and kayakers from The Outfitters paddling around Quidi Vidi Gut.

Attendees at the event included representatives from some of the 800 points of interest on the MapGuide including historic, cultural and natural landmarks, events, artisans, and attractions that capture the region’s unique character and beauty.

The City of St. John’s partnered with National Geographic on this two-year project and Mayor Dennis O’Keefe is very pleased with the final product.

“This project and its affiliation with the National Geographic brand, brings heightened awareness globally to this special place we all call home,” says Mayor O’Keefe. “The mapguide and website provides visitors with an exceptional planning tool for them as they plan their visit.”

National Geographic’s acclaimed mapmaking and sustainable tourism expertise helped produce the Geotourism website with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter (CPAWS-NL); Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; City of St. John’s; Parks Canada; CapeRace Cultural Adventures; Ocean Quest Adventures; and regional communities and organizations. Funding for the project was provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development; Parks Canada; and the City of St. John’s.    

The Eastern Newfoundland area designated for the map stretches from the outer boundaries of Terra Nova National Park to the Burin Peninsula and Bonavista Peninsula to St. John’s, including communities, private and public lands. Since the project was launched in October 2011, locals have nominated for inclusion more than 800 of their favourite points of interest. 

The MapGuide will be distributed in outlets throughout Eastern Newfoundland. The website may be viewed at www.nlgeotourism.com. Residents and visitors may continue to nominate new sites, events and special places for the website, which will be dynamic and constantly changing.

Geotourism: Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of its residents.

For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca

Dennis O’Keefe
Mayor
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 576-8477
E-mail: dokeefe@stjohns.ca