The Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism announced today that Tourism PEI has entered into partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the three other Atlantic Provinces and the region's Acadian community to promote and market Acadian cultural tourism in Quebec and Ontario.
This partnership will support an $800,000 marketing campaign over the next three years. Prince Edward Island's contribution to this regional effort will be $45,000.
"The marketing of Atlantic Canada's Acadian culture will directly benefit Acadian tourism operators in Prince Edward Island. The strategy that has been developed will market Acadian cultural tourism product into strategically targeted markets. This initiative will provide a vehicle for the Acadian tourism operators in Atlantic Canada to work together to sell their product," said Minister MacAdam.
"The fact that Prince Edward Island has a culturally rich and vibrant Acadian community is unknown in many markets, and visitors are often surprised to learn about the Island's Acadian heritage. This Atlantic regional partnership will help spread this message," said Mr. MacAdam.
Minister MacAdam explained that this initiative will generate increased tourism to Prince Edward Island. "Understanding and experiencing Island culture is a strong motivator for visitors coming to the Island. The promotion of our Acadian culture will further enhance Prince Edward Island's appeal as one of the best places in the world to take a vacation," said Minister MacAdam.
The minister said that the regional initiative will be coordinated on behalf of the partners by the Société national de l'Acadie. The provincial and the local Acadian community will have representation on the project management committee.
"I believe that this project will greatly enhance the development and marketing of Prince Edward Island's Acadian tourism product and am pleased that the Province is able to participate in it," said Minister MacAdam.