The Provincial Government is providing funding of more than $96,600 to Escape by the Sea Inc. to support the company’s development of unique outdoor and cultural experiences on Fogo Island that are inclusive of each season.
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced the funding today, including over $71,600 through the Business Investment Program and a further $25,000 through the Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund.
Owned by sisters-in-law and business partners Kim Holmes and Kayla Shea, Escape by the Sea Inc. offers four 4.5-star getaway cottages, fully furnished and equipped with all amenities, overlooking a spectacular view of the North Atlantic in Seldom, Fogo Island.
Program investments will enable necessary property enhancements, beautification and greater accessibility through landscaping, paving and the installation of accessible parking. Together, they are seeking to create people-focused experiences that are suitable for each season.
Escape by the Sea Inc. is also working towards partnering with other local businesses to offer guests a glimpse into the traditional outdoor pastimes of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians: berry picking excursions in the fall, ice fishing adventures and guided snowmobile tours during the winter, and iceberg site seeing during the spring.
Through the Business Investment Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses in strategic growth sectors, including support towards market development and sourcing private-sector investments.
The Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund provides non-repayable grants for tourism and hospitality operators to enhance products and experiences to support the recovery and growth of the province’s tourism industry.
Quotes
“Fogo Island is one of the primary destinations for non-resident visitors to the province. Escape by the Sea Inc. is developing unique outdoor and cultural experiences in off-peak seasons to compliment the summer season experiences already established in the region. The addition of more people and program-based experiential tourism to existing infrastructure and activities is a priority for tourism development.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Tourism and hospitality operators are critical to our provincial economy and are eager to share authentic Newfoundland and Labrador experiences with residents and visitors alike. This investment will help Escape by the Sea fine-tune their products and experiences, making them more accessible and extending their offerings into the shoulder seasons, all of which enhances our reputation as a sought-after travel destination.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Fogo Island is a beautiful tourist destination in Newfoundland and Labrador. By offering experiences that highlight the beauty of the island through all four seasons and not just the peak summer season, Escape by the Sea, Inc. is creating a unique tourism product. This forward-thinking strategy is a hallmark of great business acumen and will position the business with a strong competitive advantage.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister without portfolio and MHA for Fogo Island – Cape Freels
“Escape by the Sea is fortunate to have been partnered with the Business Investment Program since the birth of our entrepreneurial adventure in 2019. Heading into our third season with a second loan and a highly appreciated grant from the Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund, we are going to enhance our property with landscaping, improve our accessibility with pavement and plan and implement shoulder season attractions. We look forward to the continued growth of our business and the new adventures it will bring.”
Kim Holmes and Kayla Shea
Escape by the Sea Inc.
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Learn more
Business Investment Program
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