Prince Edward Island residents have lots to smile about during Tourism Week, June 18-25. This nation-wide celebration aims to raise awareness of the tremendous economic and social benefits of a $52 billion industry.
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 is worth $353 million a year and employs approximately 20,000 people in tourism related sectors such as transportation, festivals and events, attractions, food and beverage services, and accommodations.
Organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) in collaboration with Tourism PEI and other partners, Tourism Week provides a focal point for activities planned across the province. In Prince Edward Island, activities include:
Wednesday, June 18
Tourism Appreciation Breakfast – ATHI, 8 a.m.
Montague Rotary – Gordon MacInnis, guest speaker
Thursday, June 19
Familiarization Tour – Eastern PEI
Open House – Visitor Information Centres (VIC) – Brackley, Cavendish & Charlottetown, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open House – Beaconsfield, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open House – Founders Hall, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., and walking tours, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Hillsboro Rotary – Gordon MacInnis, guest speaker
Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer – 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 23
Open House – Visitor Information Centres – Pooles Corner, Souris, Wood Islands and St. Peters, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open House – Elmira - 1 - 4 p.m.
Basin Head – 1 - 4 p.m.
Orwell Corner – 1 - 4 p.m.
Charlottetown Rotary – Minister Jeff Lantz, guest speaker
Tuesday, June 24
Open House – Visitor Information Centres – West Prince, Summerside & Borden,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open House – Eptek, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Acadian Museum – 2 - 4 p.m.
Green Park – 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summerside Rotary – Gordon MacInnis, guest speaker
Wednesday, June 25
Familiarization Tour – Western PEI
Stratford Rotary – Minister Lantz, guest speaker
With current world events, including the threat of SARS and economic slowdowns, Canada's tourism industry is facing a challenging period. Gordon MacInnis, President of TIAPEI, noted, "It's especially important at this time for Islanders to be aware of the contribution tourism makes to Prince Edward Island's standard of living and to the quality of life for Islanders."
That contribution is felt not only by the owners and employees of PEI's 1,900 tourism businesses (primarily small- and medium-sized businesses), but by all communities across the province. "All Islanders benefit from the $353 million in tourism generated tax revenues that support a range of economic development and social programs," stated Minister of Tourism Jeffrey Lantz. "Less tangible, but just as important are the opportunities tourism development gives visitors and Islanders to explore and rediscover our beautiful province."
Tourism Week is celebrated across Canada in every province and territory. A renewed nation-wide Tourism Week, set to become an annual event, provides an opportunity to link those celebrations, magnifying their impact and raising the tourism industry's profile throughout Canada.