The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) held the 2002 Winter Tour Package Contest this past winter, encouraging members of the tourism industry across Canada to submit their unique promotions that encourage winter tourism, and the Delta Prince Edward captured one of their highly competitive awards.
The contest application allowed for seven product categories that covered the range of product experiences that the CTC had identified over the years in response to market research and demand. The emphasis was on creativity as they searched for the most original and extraordinary ideas. The brochure outlining the contest noted, "Canada has a winter of beautiful majestic proportions that allows the visitor to get as cold or as hot as they want, as vertical or horizontal, as thrilled and chilled, as wined and dined."
Greg Deighan, Minister of Tourism for PEI remarked, "This is just the type of promotion that broadens the scope of our tourism season to appreciate more than the summer months on PEI." He added, "It is obvious that we have a lot to offer, no matter what the time of year, and the Delta Prince Edward has done a great job in this and other promotions, encouraging visitors to experience our Island year-round."
All entries were judged first by regional juries established by the regional champions and then an international panel of tour operators and wholesalers judged entries determined to be regional winners. National winners were determined from this group.
As a supplement to any promotion done to publicize the event, finalists in the contest are featured in CTC's publications such as Communique, Canada Now!, What's News In Canada and CTX News which provides a great opportunity to increase awareness in the travel trade business. Winners will be invited to attend an international marketplace where their winning product can be presented and sold.
Minister Deighan added, "I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers of Delta's event as well as the front-line staff who ensure that the Christmas in November promotion is enjoyable for all who participate."