Southern Labrador is an experiential visitor's dream. The rich aboriginal culture and strong connections with the land and environment can be traced back to the early 18th century. The recent Archaeological findings show that the Vikings inhabited the shores, and established dwellings. Also, the Labrador Metis Nation is retracing their roots and finding that the Inuit lived in the region long before western explorers discovered the 'new world'. The National Historic District of Battle Harbour, is the premiere attraction to the region. Nevertheless, new infrastructure and action oriented activities are needed to attract people to come to the region and to stay for extended periods of time.

The Labrador Coastal Drive Tourism Association and Destination Labrador are two organizations focused on helping position this region as a quality tourism destination. Over the past year, the SADC has been working with both groups to help put into place the necessary steps to attract more visitors to the region.

The SADC is working on the following initiatives in the tourism sector: Highway/routes enhancement; Regional Interpretation Centres;
Gilbert's Bay Marine Protected Area; Tourism Packages; Winter Trails; Mealy Mountain National Park;Battle Harbour Historic Trust Support.

The provincial department of Transportation and Works is in the process of rolling out a Signage Strategy Program that SADC had input into. The new signs will reflect the recommendations outlined in the Zone 4 tourism plans and will showcase the Coastal Labrador Drive destination logo. The next step is determining the pull-offs needed from Cartwright – Red Bay. These pull-offs will be professionally designed and provide a snapshot of what a visitor can expect to see while in the region. The province is rolling out a new signage program for the province, and new signs will have to adhere to the guidelines in this policy.

The Zone 4 tourism plan recommends that two Interpretation Centres be established in the region. The one that will be situated in Cartwright has concluded the feasibility and sustainability study and will be seeking funds for construction. The Regional Interpretation Centre recommended for Port Hope Simpson is first seeking a consultant to provide a framework for construction (terms of reference has been developed, in the process of attracting a qualified consultant).

The SADC is very committed to helping the Steering Committee develop opportunities associated with the Marine Protected designation. In partnership with the Gilbert's Bay MPA Coordinator, research is currently ongoing to determine infrastructure requirements and activities that occur in a Marine Protected environment in other countries. The Gilbert's Bay MPA was the first of two designations in Canada; therefore models will have to be researched in other countries.

A one day tourism forum was hosted by SADC in October, 2007. During this forum, the newly hired Executive Director for Destination Labrador unveiled their plans for the next 6 months. Destination Labrador will provide funds for businesses to work with a professional to develop activity guides in the surrounding area. These guides will then be are integrated and marketed as 2 – 10 day tour guide activities for southern Labrador. SADC will continue to partner with Destination Labrador to roll this program out, and to help accommodation owners and tourism associations' avail of this very valuable service.

The winter trails in southern Labrador provide a great escape and adventure to a winter paradise. These trails need to be maintained, and require government funds to ensure the trails are properly marked and groomed. Because of the low populations, and hundreds of km's trail system requiring maintenance, it is unrealistic to expect the region to maintain the trails based on trail passes. The trails can eventually be self-sufficient by tourists, adventure travelers looking for a new and unique experience. Destination Labrador is focusing on infrastructure already in place, and the winter trails are a great product but requires marketing and some infusion of dollars to help position these trails in the competitive marketplace. SADC will continue to work with Winter Trails Inc. and keep regular dialogue with the organization and support where require.

The enthusiasm for the National Park is very difficult to maintain. The stall in discussions by the province for the past year and half due to concerns over the boundary area proposed by the park has been disheartening to members of the Steering Committee. Nevertheless, there is willingness by the committee to negotiate on the boundary issue and a commitment by government to discuss the same early in the New Year.

A considerable amount of effort has been dedicated to helping Battle Harbour raise its profile both from within and outside the region. The Grenfell property has been restored and now provides an inviting and informative location for tourist to the region, and specifically visitors to National Historic District of Battle Harbour. Also, the IceBerg Hunter (Battle Harbour Ferry) now has a safe and exclusive wharf to dock, and to load and unload passengers. The SADC provided help in preparing a funding proposal, and became an active member of the implementation committee and continues to provide support in the long term planning for the facility. In addition, SADC sought and received an invitation to sit as member of the Battle Harbour Historic Committee. The first order of business was to organize a round-table meeting to bring stakeholders (Parks Canada, Destination Labrador, LSHTC, LCDTA, and Municipalities) together to determine ways each organization can provide support and determine what support was necessary. There is a considerable amount of activity ongoing with BHHT. The SADC offered to communicate this news through our quarterly newsletter. The first update will be published in our winter edition.