Prince Edward Island received a special honour at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's annual meeting in Ottawa last week. The Globe and Mail presented their Reader's Choice award to Frank Butler, Deputy Minister of Tourism, at a special ceremony recognizing some of Canada's most popular tourism destinations.
In a recent poll, The Globe and Mail readers chose Prince Edward Island as their favourite eastern Canadian destination. This comes as no surprise to some in the tourism business, as Prince Edward Island has always had a special place in the hearts of Canadians as a preferred vacation island, attracting more than one million visitors each season. More than 1,000 readers responded to the Globe's invitation to select the best among Canadian hotels, attractions, and vacation destinations.
"This award speaks well for the industry and the exposure of Prince Edward Island as a premier vacation destination," said Frank Butler, Deputy Minister of Tourism in Prince Edward Island. "The readers of the Globe and Mail, a national news publication, deemed our province ‘best destination' in eastern Canada, and I have to say I agree wholeheartedly and was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the tourism industry of our province."
The Reader's Choice Awards asked entrants to select their favourites in four regions of Canada -- Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Canada -- allowing them to participate in a draw to win a trip to the Yukon. Prince Edward Island achieved the best vacation destination for Eastern Canada, and Mr. Thomas Hay, Vice-President and General Manager of The Globe and Mail, presented Mr. Butler with the award before over 200 tourism industry professionals and delegates from all across Canada.
Kim Green, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, was also present at the award ceremony in Ottawa. "Being presented this award while among our peers of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada was a great honour. This award only assists in solidifying that Prince Edward Island continues to be the destination of choice in Eastern Canada."