The Minister of Tourism, Greg Deighan, announced that the existing "Tourism Industry Act" and the "Highway Advertisement Act" for Prince Edward Island will be revisited with plans to more strictly enforce regulations. Two new Compliance Officers are being added to the tourism staff for the summer months. They will ensure that those who rent vacation properties on PEI are following the legal guidelines set out by the Act and investigate any violations with respect to the provincial signage and accommodation licensing regulations.
"We have noticed an increase in non-compliance to the Act over the last couple of years," noted Minister Deighan. "It is unfair to those who do comply to ignore those that disregard the regulations. If you are in business right beside someone who cuts their costs by not licensing and following regulations, it can be very frustrating. Also, we want to ensure that anyone who rents vacation property on PEI is protected under the guidelines laid out in the Act."
Quality Tourism Services, QTS, will work closely with the officers and provide information to those who are not complying. "The information package outlines the requirements and the process to become licensed," noted Elaine Thomson, Chairperson of QTS. "The staff will help you through the process of being licensed -- which includes an inspection and collection of water for testing. The tourism industry wants every accommodation on the Island to be safe, clean and comfortable for guests."
Any new tourism accommodation owners and those interested in obtaining further information are invited to contact the QTS office at 566-3501.
"We look forward to promoting the benefits of licensing rental properties which will educate operators of the benefits such as Vacancy Board accessibility and Visitor Guide listing and ensure that those who rent are provided safe and regulated accommodations," noted Minister Deighan.