Sparkes moves on

The end is near for Bruce Sparkes, who is cluing up his three-year term as the board chairman for Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL).
"It's been an enjoyable experience. I'm probably going to be lost after the (HNL) convention, because it takes up quite a bit of time."
Mr. Sparkes, who was initially expected to fill the role for two years but stayed on an extra one to conclude unfinished business, will relinquish his position as board chair to current vice chair John Dicks.
This move will be made official at the upcoming 2010 Lookout! Tourism Summit, happening Feb. 18-21 in Gander.
Mr. Sparkes, managing director of Clayton Inns Ltd., has worked within the industry all his life, and his company has been involved with HNL from the day it started, he said.
Over his time with the organization, which is committed to developing and promoting the tourism and hospitality industries within the province, Mr. Sparkes said progress was made in dealing with important issues.
"I thought the third year would have been easier, but I think it was busier than the first two combined, primarily because the vision was launched in February of last year," he said.
That vision was Uncommon Potential, a plan that outlines seven key strategic directions with which the province can achieve growth in the tourism sector.
Mr. Sparkes said the province is close to witnessing a major reinvestment in Marine Atlantic, which is essential given the ferry service provider's position as a point of entry for visitors of Newfoundland and Labrador.
"It's been a part of our agenda for years, and indications are they're going to get more money. There's already been some serious money given to them for their reorganization and the Atlantic Vision - the new ship."
The issue of boats being late or unable to leave North Sydney not only affects tourists, but also seafood producers, truckers, and other suppliers of goods, he said. The purchase of the Atlantic Vision was a helpful start in addressing those problems, said Mr. Sparkes.

Professional standards
HNL's push to have workers in the hospitality and tourism sector attain professional certifications has been another positive development, he said, ensuring they can handle a variety of situations.
Land use planning is another issue the organization has advocated for. Mr. Sparkes said the province's natural beauty must be protected.
"It's going to protect our coastline and all of our land," he said, adding HNL has maintained a dialogue with the department of environment and conservation on the matter.
One concrete development on that front was an agreement with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper related to protecting viewscapes in relation to the harvesting of trees.
"They used some digital imaging to show the sightline views after cuts, and we reached a compromise on what would be acceptable to the industry. We realize the trees grow back, but after they're cut down, there's a three-to-five-year period where things don't look so good."
It has also recently begun to hold online-seminars, called webinars, which allow members in rural areas to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of others.
The new highway signage initiative by the province, which got underway last summer, was another positive development HNL had long been advocating for, said Mr. Sparkes.
This created a new uniform approach to advertising for tourism destinations along the highway.
He also applauds the province's work updating information on the location of tourism destinations for the Global Positioning System.
"We need to make sure we're in these systems so everyone can find where they're going," said Mr. Sparkes.
Internally, the structure of the organization's board was revamped, creating a smaller group drawing upon all relevant sectors.
"We meet more often, and more joint decisions are made," he said, adding it has at least eight meetings a year, with committee meetings also taking place.

Future matters
There remains unfinished business for HNL, and Mr. Sparkes sees the need for a year-round direct flight to the United Kingdom as a top priority.
"You need a regularly scheduled flight coming into the island somewhere. It would be great if it was Gander - and it used to be Gander - but the reality is St. John's is the best place for it to come in and service the island. It's certainly better than going to Halifax and changing planes."
A phase two air access strategy has been completed by the provincial government, following a phase one strategy partially funded by HNL. Phase two is expected to be released at the HNL convention, said Mr. Sparkes.
Go Travel Flights announced last year it would be offering a seasonal service between St. John's and London. Air Canada made a similar announcement shortly thereafter.
"We had (regular service) for years, and that was long before the oil and gas activity," said Mr. Sparkes. "We think a direct flight from St. John's is a no-brainer now."
The car rental shortage over the last five years has been a significant issue, and Mr. Sparkes said a government study on that matter will be released at the convention.
An industry session on challenges facing tourism will be an important part of the convention, where he is sure that topic will come up, along with others.
Overall, Mr. Sparkes said the tourism industry is on a good path, with continued growth pointing to a bright future for the province.
"The province has done a wonderful job marketing the place. The industry has done a wonderful job accommodating people. We don't expect anything but positive returns for the near-future."

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