The tourism industry in Prince Edward Island continues to grow. According to the Tourism Exit Survey, 1.2 million visitors travelled to PEI in 1997, that is a 57 percent increase over 1996. That now makes it the second largest industry in the province. That makes the demand for tourist accommodations increase as well.
In May, Tourism PEI responded to this increase in demand by issuing a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop additional tourism accommodation facilities at Brudenell, the future home of Atlantic Canada's first 36-hole golf course. As a result of this RFP, Rodd Hotels and Resorts has been chosen as the preferred company to develop the new resort facility.
Rodd Hotels and Resorts currently owns and operates the Rodd Brudenell River Resort and propose expanding their existing resort facility to include 50 additional rooms to the hotel complex and the construction of 80 rooms in 40 five-star luxury cottages.
"This new development would not only provide much needed accommodations for the area, but would also have economic spin-offs for other tourism operators in the area as well. Golfing enjoys an extended season and golfers are among the highest per capita spenders of all visitors to the province," said Minister of Fisheries and Tourism Kevin J. MacAdam. "Rodd Hotels and Resorts has a successful track record in the area of golf promotion and marketing, and we are confident they will be able to fulfill all the requirements for a first-class facility."
The $7 million resort expansion being proposed by Island-based Rodd Hotels and Resorts will also include expanded meeting and convention facilities, a restaurant/pub, outdoor swimming pool and a spa. "We currently have eleven hotels and resorts around the region and this will be our premier property," said David Rodd, President of Rodd Hotels and Resorts. "With a 36-hole golf course and golf academy, first-class accommodations, expanded meeting and convention facilities, this will be the finest golf resort destination in Eastern Canada."
Negotiations are currently underway between the province and Rodd Hotels and Resorts, and a formal announcement on the final details of the resort will be made in a couple of months.