Tourism on Prince Edward Island has received a lot of attention in the past and is about to receive a lot more. As our summer season begins, Tourism Week, June 20-26, will invite everyone on P.E.I. to learn more about the industry that infused $350 million dollars into our economy in the year 2003 alone.
The nation-wide celebration is aimed at raising awareness of the benefits, both economic and social, which generates jobs, community development, and significant tax revenues for all levels of government.
During Tourism Week, those who are most directly associated with tourism operations and administration are inviting the general public to get out and enjoy some of the more typical tourism operations that Islanders sometimes overlook.
“We want everyone on Prince Edward Island to take notice of the importance of our industry and the potential for tourism to strengthen our economy and our way of life,” said Minister of Tourism, Philip Brown. “We are very fortunate to have such a beautiful Island with warm, welcoming residents and we want to celebrate that good fortune with everyone, not just those directly involved, during Tourism Week. The reason tourism works on P.E.I. is the people and this is a way of rewarding the everyday Islander that works for us.”
Tourism keeps 1.6 million Canadians working, supports economic and community development, and generates significant tax revenues for all levels of government. In Prince Edward Island, tourism generates $353 million of economic activity a year and employs approximately 14,000 people in tourism-related sectors such as transportation, festivals and events, attractions, food and beverage services, and accommodations.
Gordon MacInnis, President of TIAPEI, noted, “Tourism week on Prince Edward Island is an opportunity for businesses, tourism associations and government to share with Islanders what tourism is all about. Tourism needs to be on the minds of Islanders all of the time, not just during the difficult times. There is a lot happening during the week, so Islanders should get out and enjoy what PEI has to offer.”
Organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) in collaboration with Tourism PEI and various partners, Tourism Week provides a focal point for activities planned across the province. In Prince Edward Island, activities include:
Sunday, June 20/04
Islander Appreciation Day
Plan an entire day. Attractions, mini golf, craft shops, restaurants, and area golf courses want to thank Islanders for their past patronage by inviting you to join us for a day of activity. FABULOUS SAVINGS and GIVEAWAYS. For more information and lists of participating operators, please visit any Island Visitor Information Centre, www.tiapei.pe.ca or www.cavendishbeachresort.com
Monday, June 21/04
Pancake Breakfast, Shipyard Market, Summerside, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Open House – Orwell Corner Historic Village
Tuesday, June 22/04
Familiarization Tour – Eastern PEI (contact TIAPEI for details)
Open House – Basin Head Fisheries Museum
Open House – Elmira Railway Museum
Wednesday, June 23/04
Open House – Eptek Art & Culture Centre
Open House – Beaconsfield Historic House
Barbeque, Port-la Joye – Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open House – Brackley Visitor Information Centre 1 - 3 p.m.
Anne of Green Gables - The Musical(tm) – Confederation Centre of the Arts. Buy one adult ticket for the 2 p.m. matinee performance only and receive the second of equal or lesser value FREE
Thursday, June 24/04
Pancake Breakfast – Rodd Marina Inn & Suites, Montague 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hosted by Hills and Harbours Tourism Association
Open House – Green Park Shipbuilding Museum & Historic Yeo House
Friday, June 25/04
Pancake Breakfast – Tourism & Culinary Centre, Charlottetown 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hosted by Tourism & Culinary
Saturday, June 26/04
Garden Party – The Bottle Houses, Cap-Egmont 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Free admission for Islanders – visit the Bottle Houses, take a garden tour and enjoy refreshments.
Tourism Week is celebrated across Canada in every province and territory. A positive visitor experience is value added – be part of it!