The 2004 Marketing and Media Plan was released Tuesday evening at the annual presentation by Tourism PEI and the Tourism Marketing Authority (TMA) detailing the 2004 advertising campaign. The early part of the evening included the presentation of the 5th Annual Premier's Award for Tourism to prominent businessman, Jim Larkin.
This recognition is presented to a local individual, association, or company which has made a significant, meaningful contribution to the tourism industry in Prince Edward Island. The award is intended to recognize and celebrate a leader or leading entity which has helped to move the industry forward, inspiring others to take steps to do the same in years to come, and the choice of Mr. Larkin was based on his diverse interests over the years, all of which were centered on the industry of tourism.
Jim and his family have been in the tourism business for 24 years, purchasing MacKinnon's Lobster Pound and developing it into "Lobster on the Wharf," a booming restaurant business with one of the best views of the Charlottetown Harbour.
In the early 1980's, Jim accepted the position of General Manager of TIAPEI, a considerably smaller organization than it is today. Jim substantially increased membership and developed excellent working relationships with both the federal and provincial Governments, significantly increasing TIAPEI's credibility. The organization, under Jim's leadership, was involved in the evolution of the Responsible Beverage Server program on PEI, became a strong supporter of human resource development in the tourism industry, and introduced accommodations rating.
During Jim's time at TIAPEI, the Tourism Marketing Authority, or TMA, was created and became one of the first industry-government partnership models which has since been copied across the country.
Under Jim's leadership, TIAPEI gained credibility not just on the local but on the national scene to the point where the Island tourism industry is seen today as one of the strongest, if not the strongest, tourism industry associations in Canada.
Jim represented the tourism industry in the negotiations of the first Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership Agreement. The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is presently a nine-member partnership consisting of the federal government, the four Atlantic provinces, and the four Atlantic tourism industry associations. ACTP works cooperatively to generate interest in the Atlantic Provinces in key U.S. and overseas markets, and is a powerful example of the federal and provincial governments working together with industry partners to help build the tourism industry in the region.
Jim served on the Board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and is a lifetime member of the association. In addition, he is also a lifetime member of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and has also served in public office. Jim presently sits on the Board of the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation.
Jim was the first Chair of the successful winter festival, "Wintertide," the holiday celebration that adds spirit and sparkle to Historic Charlottetown's night-time sky, as thousands of lights are presented in thematic displays throughout the downtown core.
The significance of the Confederation Bridge on the success of the industry since 1997 is evident, and Jim played a large role in that as well, chairing the group, "Islanders for a Better Tomorrow," who fought for the "yes" side of the "link" issue. This insightful gathering of people consisted of business and private interests who managed to deliver 10,000 letters of support within 10 days to Ottawa – proving that the population endorsed this phenomenal development in transportation and access to our Island.
Jim lives, works and travels with his wife Helen and spends as much time as possible with his three children, Steven, Corinne, Kelly and her husband, Trevor – and his cherished grandchild, Wil.