The tourism industry in Prince Edward Island marked a major milestone this October when the one millionth pleasure visitor arrived in the province. The million mark is up considerably from the record 741,000 visitors of 1996, and is above most predictions by consultants who studied the potential impact of the Confederation Bridge on tourism traffic to the Island.
"This is a historic moment in Prince Edward Island's tourism industry," said Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism for PEI. "This achievement translates into substantial benefits for continued job creation and growth in PEI's second largest and fastest growing industry."
Gerry Gallant, President of the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, pointed out that, "This year, Islanders welcomed seven and half times their population. It seems our hard-working, committed tourist operators are well equipped to handle significant increases and still provide a quality experience for visitors to the province."
Prince Edward Island has led all the other Canadian provinces in tourist visits per capita, and the 1997 result only reinforces that reputation as Canada's most hospitable province.
According to demographic information collected by the Research Division of Enterprise PEI, the one millionth visitor to the Island is likely over 40 years of age and travelling with a spouse. This "typical tourist" may have arrived here as a result of receiving the fall promotional material mailed directly to his house, or perhaps he saw an advertisement in a daily paper. The Island's one millionth visitor probably came from the Maritimes, Ontario or New England.
"This is certainly cause for celebration," Mr. MacAleer and Mr Gallant agreed. The details of the exit survey, including the total tourism revenue for the year, will be released at TIAPEI's annual meeting this Saturday, October 18.