Tourism Minister Greg Deighan announced today that his Department has assisted 30 projects under its new Tourism Investment Fund. The Province has committed a total of $500,000 to tourism development initiatives across the Province.
"These investments are intended to broaden PEI's appeal as a destination and help spread the economic benefits of tourism throughout the Island," said Minister Deighan. "A key objective for the Province and the Island's tourism industry is to lengthen our peak season, and research indicates that we are starting to see more visitors in both the spring and fall. Many of the projects supported by the Tourism Investment Fund focus on shoulder activity," said Mr. Deighan.
"The projects supported by the Tourism Investment Fund are well suited to today's market. Festivals and events, culture, outdoor activity, sporting events, and eco-tourism are all high on the list of interests to our visitors. Moreover, these types of products and the marketing that supports them will help us to attract new tourists," said Mr. Deighan.
Major events included on the list of 30 projects include: the Jeux de 'Acadie 2001, the Karcher Jr. Canadian Curling Championships to be held next winter, and the grand opening at Founders' Hall held on June 28.
The Minister explained that the Tourism Investment Fund was established by the Province earlier this year when the former Canada/PEI Cooperation Agreement for Tourism Development expired. The Tourism Investment Fund provides grant assistance of up to 60 percent of eligible tourism projects. The fund is available to tourism industry organizations and community groups.
"The success of PEI's tourism industry over the past five years is a direct result of the strong partnership that has been forged between the Province and industry. The Tourism Investment Fund is another example of our commitment to working with our tourism industry," said Mr. Deighan.
The Minister explained that the Tourism Investment Fund is one of several programs offered by his Department. Others include: The Reunion Assistance Program, the Quality Renewal Program, the Tour the Island Program and the Island Welcome Centre Program to name but some. Information about these and other Tourism PEI programs and services are available by calling Tourism PEI at 368-5540.
The following is a list of the 2001-2002 projects supported through the Tourism Investment Fund:
Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival
Bridgefest 2001
Canadian Sr. Men's Fast Pitch Championships
Canadian Youth Sailing Championship
Heritage Festivals
Founders' Hall Opening
Cardigan Fish Hatchery
College of Piping Celtic Festival
Don Messer's Violin
Festivals & Events PEI
Golf Cup Parade
Home Grown Festival
Indian River Festival
Premier Soccer Tournament
International Shellfish Festival 2001
Jeux de l'Acadie 2001
Karcher Junior Canadian Curling Championships
Kensington Railyards Development
Meetings PEI
Northumberland Strait Marketing Group
Red Clay Bluegrass Music Festival
Road to Rollo Bay
Sport PEI
Storms, Shipwrecks and Sailcloth
PEI Storytelling Festival
Summerside & Area Tourist Association
Trailfest
Victoria Theatre
Women's Institute Legacy Bike Tour
Wintertide (Victorian Winter Festival)