Minister of Tourism, Valerie Docherty, on behalf of Premier Robert Ghiz, presented the 2008 Premier’s Award for Tourism to Duncan McIntosh, a close friend of Kate Macdonald Butler – one of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s grandchildren. Kate was to arrive from Toronto to accept the award, but was unable to attend due to inclement weather.
The award was presented at the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island’s (TIAPEI) Award Gala on Wednesday, March 5, in Summerside. It is presented each year to a local individual, association, group or company who has made a significant, meaningful contribution to the tourism industry in Prince Edward Island. This award is intended to recognize and celebrate those who have helped move the industry forward, inspiring others to take steps to do the same.
Minister Docherty acknowledged Macdonald Butler’s desire to accept the award on her grandmother’s behalf. “Kate was very honored that the Premier chose her grandmother as this year’s recipient and she really wanted to be here in person to share in this tribute.”
“The award is a token of our province’s appreciation in honor of Montgomery’s work, which has greatly influenced our industry,” said Minister Docherty. “With 2008 marking the 100th Anniversary of the publishing of the Anne of Green Gables™ novel, Premier Ghiz felt it was an opportune time to acknowledge the impact she has made on our Tourism industry over the course of time.”
Kate thought her grandmother’s recognition with this year’s award was an inspired choice.
“I think it speaks well of the imagination and vibrancy of both the cultural and tourism branches of this government to recognize my grandmother with this year’s award,” said Macdonald Butler.
While Anne has long been a traditional component of the tourism product in Prince Edward Island, there remains a considerable opportunity to further develop the fictional world of Anne.
In honour of the 100th Anniversary of the publication of L.M. Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables™, various activities have been planned across Prince Edward Island in 2008. Four signature events will include ANNE-imated, to be held June 14 in Charlottetown; the Anne of Green Gables Festival, planned for July 3-6 in Cavendish; Matthew and Marilla’s Cuthbert Reunion, taking place in Summerside August 17; and a wrap-up event in Cavendish on the birthday of L. M. Montgomery, November 30. These and many more events are showcased on the new website dedicated to this celebration.
An Anne 2008 website (Anne2008.com) has recently been launched to serve as the central information source for Anne-related activities happening throughout the year. Beyond the signature events, the site also offers Anne packaging by tourism operators; educational components for teachers and schools across Canada; a new Tour the Island component which includes a souvenir Anne Passport; links to the Tourism P.E.I. website gentleisland.com; projects and colouring book pages for children; literary competitions and challenges for all ages and much more.
Everything has been provided in an easy-to-use format which allows for easy alterations as new items are created. For more information, please visit www.anne2008.com.