For more than 25 years, golf has been a strong generator of tourism traffic to Prince Edward Island. Golf courses across the province serve as a source of leisure for many while helping to stimulate rural economies. Now, Golf PEI Inc. is taking steps to update its image and accept a more integrated tourism approach to its promotional efforts.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced government support for the development and implementation of improved marketing strategies and a new brand positioning model for Golf PEI. The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will contribute $351,393 over two years. The Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $228,000 to Golf PEI's marketing plan for 2016-17.
Golf PEI is working to establish a stronger online, on-site, and TV presence to attract golfers to PEI fairways with Ontario, Québec, Alberta, and the northern United States being key markets targeted. The goal is to promote the many golf courses on the Island while highlighting other attractions the province has to offer.
Quotes
“PEI is a premier tourism destination, and our world-class golf courses are one of the many draws for visitors from across the country and beyond. The Government of Canada is pleased to support Golf PEI with its marketing and branding initiative to attract even more travelers to our beautiful Island, and further strengthen our economy.
• The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA
“Prince Edward Island’s golf courses are among the most respected in the country and position the province as one of North America’s premier golf destinations. These courses serve as important contributors to the Island economy and are key employers in rural areas. Golf plays a significant role in the Island’s tourism industry and attracts many visitors from around the world. We are pleased to continue to support Golf PEI’s marketing and branding efforts and look forward to seeing them strengthen this industry even further”.
• The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“Golf PEI and our member courses are proud to play an important role in the significant economic impact golf travellers have on our Island economy. PEI is a golfer’s paradise and while our clients come to play, they’re also here to eat, sleep, shop, and explore. They take these memories back to family and friends and prepare for repeat visits. We appreciate this support from ACOA and the provincial government as we strengthen our marketing presence to attract even more golf travellers to our Island to experience the 400 plus fairways that await and also what they can enjoy beyond the 18th hole.”
• Mark McLane, Executive Director, Golf PEI Inc.