The Department of Tourism and Culture and the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) are pleased to launch the 2011 Tourism Plan with the Prince Edward Island tourism industry today, says Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Vessey.
“The Annual Tourism Plan is created in partnership with TAC each year,” said Minister Vessey. “The 2011 plan will focus on developing and promoting culture and heritage tourism across the province while continuing to develop key tourism priorities, which include: growth of the meetings and conventions sector, golf, culinary partnerships, and the next phase in the Integrated Tourism Solution (ITS).”
As part of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island’s (TIAPEI) Annual General Meeting, the tourism industry was presented with the overall direction the Department of Tourism and Culture will take in planning for the 2011 tourism season.
“We are encouraged to see the forecasted estimate of 2.6 per cent growth in both visitation and revenue for this year,” said Kevin Murphy, chair of TAC. “The Tourism Plan 2011 is a solid next step toward raising the bar in our tourism product offering. The new cultural action plan is intended to help address seasonality and growth in our industry, along with continued efforts on golf, culinary and MC&IT in both new and established markets.”
A three-year cultural action plan will begin in 2011. With industry, the department will identify opportunities to market existing cultural elements and create a Prince Edward “Island Fusion” Festival to take place from June 16 to July 3.
Building on the success of the Flavours Trail, the new Arts and Heritage Trail will guide visitors to cultural and heritage tourism offerings in PEI from tip to tip.
The Prince Edward Island Culinary Alliance launched the new Flavours Trail initiative in 2010. In 2011, the Flavours Trail guide, which celebrates food, arts and culture, will include more participants. Distribution will be widened to 80,000 copies.
The Department of Tourism and Culture will continue its efforts to increase the number of operators using the BookPEI system and the number of room nights. As part of the Integrated Tourism Solution, new products will be introduced, including a Travel Itinerary Tool, booking for campgrounds and attractions, and more special promotions.
In order to address industry concerns about air access, the department is creating a pilot project to promote a limited amount of low cost air travel to Prince Edward Island. This project will drive tourism to the Island through reduced airfares, with a focus on targeted markets in North America.
Plans for the PEI Convention Centre have already generated interest with groups planning to have large meetings on PEI. The department will partner with federal counterparts and industry on a five-year plan to take advantage of the new PEI Convention Centre, as well as rural PEI locations.
For more information about the Tourism Plan for 2010, visit www.gentleisland.com or www.peitac.com.