News Release
August 24, 2009
RADF Commits $5 Million to Rural Tourism Development
Funding will establish a Tourism Development Centre for South East Alberta
Tofield
– On Saturday August 22, 2009 Rural Alberta’s Development Fund hosted a special funding announcement event in Hanna, Alberta to announce $5 million in funding for the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Centre Program. The event was attended by Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for Drumheller-Stettler Jack Hayden and other local dignitaries.
RADF is pleased to partner with Canadian Badlands Ltd. and their 57 partner communities in this regional tourism project. The Canadian Badlands spans south-eastern Alberta from the United States border in the south and the Saskatchewan border in the east. The northern border runs along highways 11 and 12 through Stettler to Red Deer. The western border fades east from Red Deer to Coutts in the south.
This funding will allow the creation of a regional Tourism Development Centre which will serve as a single point of contact for government, businesses and communities to access regional tourism information. The centre will also act as an intermediary for the coordination of tourism information, planning and training in the Canadian Badlands
As part of the project 17 tourism programs will be developed. Four primary tourism hubs and four secondary tourism hubs will be expanded and enhanced. Access to tourist destinations across the region will be improved.
“Tourism is a major economic engine in Alberta,” said Bob Clark, RADF Chair. “Rural Alberta’s Development Fund is excited to be involved in this innovative project due to its expansive scope and the grassroots support it has received from its partner communities.”
“I am pleased to see this initiative help sustain rural growth by promoting regional tourism in Alberta,” said Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister George Groeneveld. “The Government of Alberta remains committed to advancing rural development in the province, and I encourage all Albertans to explore these one-of-a-kind tourist destinations in their own backyard.”
Rural Alberta’s Development Fund is a not-for-profit company that inspires innovation, collaboration and growth across rural Alberta. It is funded by the Government of Alberta and is a key implementation initiative of Alberta’s Rural Development Strategy. More information is available at www.ruralalbertasfund.com
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Direct media enquiries to:
Godfrey Huybregts, Director of Communications, Rural Alberta’s Development Fund
T: 1.877.940.7233 C: 780.953.0525
BACKGROUNDER
Summary of Approved Projects
August 24, 2009
CANADIAN BADLANDS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CENTRE PROGRAM
Fund contribution is $5 million
Funding from RADF will help the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Centre Program create a single point of contact for tourism resources, information and development in south-eastern Alberta. This project will develop and deliver 17 short, intermediate and long-term tourism programs, expand and enhance four primary and four secondary tourism hubs and enhance access to tourism destinations across the region. The Canadian Badlands spans south-eastern Alberta from the United States border in the south and the Saskatchewan border in the east. The northern border runs along highways 11 and 12 through Stettler to Red Deer. The western border fades east from Red Deer to Coutts in the south.
This project is a partnership between Canadian Badlands Ltd. and 57 communities from across south-eastern Alberta.
Expected results include:
- Consolidation of regional tourism resources to increase efficiency and ease of access
- Increased awareness of south-eastern Alberta as a tourist destination
- Increased economic benefits for regional businesses and tourism operators
- Development of a tourism model that can be adapted in other regions of the province
Contact: Cindy Amos, Executive Director, Canadian Badlands Ltd.
T: 403.436.0300
[email protected]
www.canadianbadlands.com