Islanders are invited to celebrate the importance of the tourism industry to Prince Edward Island during Tourism Month this June, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey.
“The tourism industry is an important economic driver for all regions of Prince Edward Island, creating thousands of jobs and generating millions of dollars in revenue for the province each year,” said the minister. “Those revenues are invested in improved services and programs for all Islanders, such as health care and education.”
In 2010, more than 1.3 million visitors chose Prince Edward Island as their vacation destination. The tourism industry in Prince Edward Island creates more than 7,400 full-time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for almost seven per cent of the Island’s Gross Domestic Product, generating more than $42 million in tax revenues for the province.
Beyond tax revenues, visitors inject money into the Island economy through spending on accommodations, culinary or cultural experiences or shopping. There are more than 1,100 tourism accommodation operators on Prince Edward Island, as well as additional tourism businesses, including restaurants, attractions and retail stores.
Throughout Tourism Month, government and industry partners will participate in a series of events that highlight the contributions the industry makes to communities across Prince Edward Island.
As part of that celebration, the first Islanders’ Choice Awards will highlight those attractions and locations most favoured by Prince Edward Island residents. Islanders had the opportunity to vote on their favourite spots during the month of May by listening to Island radio stations K-Rock and Ocean 100. Profiles of the most popular destinations will be broadcast throughout the month of June from the different regions of the province.
“I encourage all Islanders to explore our province this month and rediscover all of the places and attractions that make Prince Edward Island a world-class vacation destination,” said the minister. “Our tourism industry has experienced many successes over the past few years, including Live! with Regis and Kelly and the continued growth of the cruise industry. Thanks to the work of our many partners, I’m confident the industry will continue to grow even stronger in the coming years.”