Over the years, there has been an increase in those who neglect to comply with the Tourism Industry and Highway Advertisement Acts when renting properties for tourist accommodations. Non-compliance results in unfair competition in the tourism accommodation market and increases the possible risk of unsatisfactory experiences to visitors to the Island. The properties in question are not properly licensed or inspected and, consequently, compliance officers are travelling the Island in an effort to rectify the situation.
"Licensing ensures that anyone who rents vacation property on PEI is protected under the guidelines laid out in the Act," noted Tourism Minister, Greg Deighan. "We are concerned that those in the industry have a fair marketplace and that visitors who come to Prince Edward Island are protected by the standards set out in the Acts."
Quality Tourism Services (QTS) works closely with the Province to provide information to those who are not complying. So far this year, the officers have visited over 100 properties and ask that anyone with information on a property that they suspect is operating illegally contact QTS (566-3501). The officers provide operators with an information package which outlines the requirements and the process to become licensed and follow up at a later date to ensure the guidelines are followed.
New tourism accommodation owners and those interested in obtaining further details are invited to contact the QTS office at 566-3501. An information package will help property owners through the process of being licensed – which includes a property inspection and the collection of water for testing.
"It is a competitive market which caters to our valued tourism customers," noted Mr. Deighan. "We want to ensure that everyone has the most pleasurable visit possible and that our industry operates with the highest standards."