Prince Edward Island tourist operators are gearing up for what looks like a record year as the finishing touches are made to the 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge connecting the province to the mainland. Festivities surrounding the June 1 opening date are expected to attract enthusiastic crowds from both sides of the Northumberland Strait, and Island accommodations are waiting for bookings with open arms.
"The Island tourism industry is definitely looking forward to an increase in visitation for 1997," said Gerry Gallant, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI). "At this point, the industry is ready with plenty of accommodations available for the big opening weekend, as well as throughout the season. Islanders are well-known as hospitality experts; and this year, the welcome will be extra hearty as our new bridge attracts attention from around the world."
While some of the large hotels are reporting sold-out status for the June 1 weekend, most smaller operations such as inns, motels, cottages, Bed & Breakfasts and campgrounds still have plenty of room. Operators report bookings are steady, but certainly not sold out, for the remainder of the season.
"We are expecting that this new convenience of access will encourage Maritimers to visit us more often," says Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "We want to assure everyone that we are ready and eagerly awaiting their arrival."
Researchers predict that the Confederation Bridge will have a positive impact on visitation to Prince Edward Island, contributing to growth that is expected to reach one million visitors by the year 2000, up from approximately 788,000 in 1996. Already tourism operators are refurbishing, adding rooms and preparing to stay open for a longer season.
"In a business where resources are used at well below capacity, and many of our accommodation units sit idle for much of the year, the arrival of more visitors is certainly a positive outcome for the province," said Minister MacAleer. "Islanders are greeting the opening of the Confederation Bridge with great excitement and anticipation."
For more information, contact: Frank Butler, COO, Tourism PEI, (902) 368-5951; or Gerry Gallant, President, TIAPEI, (902) 566-5008.