Every year around this time tourism picks up, with more traffic carrying license plates "from away" as the tourism season hits full swing. Today, the Minister of Tourism, Jeffrey Lantz joined the President of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI), Gordon MacInnis to kick off the season and announce the upcoming "Tourism Awareness Week," June 18 - 25.
Minister Lantz noted, "The tourism sector has it's doors open, ready to greet customers for the 2003 summer season." He added, "As an example, today I am welcoming over 50 Visitor Information Centre travel counsellors as they embark upon a season of promoting the tourism product to our visitors. All over the Island, staff and facilities are preparing to ensure that our travellers have the best possible vacation experience."
The tourism industry is launching "Tourism Awareness Week" for the period June 18 - 25. TIAPEI, together with Tourism PEI are working with various partners to highlight the value of the tourism industry to the provincial economy.
Mr. MacInnis stated, "There will be a full slate of industry events throughout the week including the launch of new TIAPEI benefits for members as well as a membership appreciation breakfast." He added, "Members will get an opportunity to capitalize on benefits provided, and tourism as an industry has a chance to promote the importance of this key sector in our economy."
"Every year those of us in the industry strive to surpass the success of the one that just followed and the year 2003 is no different," added Minister Lantz. "Already we have begun to guess at what the upcoming season has in store for us and each year we look at indicators such as inquiries to Tourism PEI and individual operators. In a general sense, we seem to be positioned for another successful season, and we remain focused on the task at hand which is to continue to sell Prince Edward Island as one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Our Island is an outstanding location for vacations with first class accommodations, restaurants and attractions which guarantee that every stay will be a memorable and enjoyable one."
Details regarding Tourism Awareness Week can be found in the upcoming TIAPEI newsletter Tourism Tides or online at www.tiapei.pe.ca