New Brunswick — A recent probe into the provincial Tourism department’s spending has revealed that taxpayers have been footing the bill for government employees’ luxurious trips and treatments.
Critics are dismissing the new tourism strategy as “out of touch,” but proponents — namely, staff themselves and the Tourism minister — say it’s effective and completely justified.
The strategy is simple: Staff may do whatever they want, wherever they want, as long as they mention New Brunswick at least once or twice to encourage people to visit.
“Yes, I went to Turkey for a little nip-and-tuck on your tax dollars, but I also told my surgeon and nurses all about New Brunswick as they were putting me under,” said a staffer who claimed to be Beth Murphy, but whose face in no way resembled her ID badge photo. “I’m pretty sure some of them are going to visit next summer!”
Minister Isabelle Thériault said these expenses — which have also included cruises, tropical vacations and five-star spa visits — are reasonable and normal.
“After we sent 13 staff members to a Blue Jays game last fall, we started thinking, why not use this strategy more widely? I just spent a lovely week at a vineyard in the south of France, and I mentioned ‘Nouveau-Brunswick’ at least twice. It may have been three times, even. I think we’re making real inroads with the French, who will want to come here for our world-class wines.”
Thériault explained that fewer staff are needed in-office since the team implemented a chatbot to answer potential tourists’ questions and interact with old people who need company.
“Lonely elders, like David Coon for example, seem to enjoy speaking with our chatbot, and it helps them feel as though they’re having a meaningful interaction. It may not correctly answer their questions, but it does fill that void.”
Thériault added that with the likely success of the new strategy, there’s no reason to pay to keep historic sites open such as Cape Enrage on the Bay of Fundy, Doak House in Doaktown or Sheriff Andrews House in Saint Andrews.
“Those cost a lot to maintain, and we need that money for our own travel. Do you think someone from Bora Bora is going to care about seeing McDonald Farm in Miramichi? No. So enough drama.”