Showcasing the Best of Western PEI to Visitors
News Release
Governments give local tourism industry a boost by investing in consulting, professional development, and marketing initiatives
December 8, 2017 – Alberton, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Support for innovative tourism initiatives improve visitor experiences and help bring new sustainable economic opportunities to rural regions of Atlantic Canada. That is why the federal and provincial governments are investing in Western PEI’s North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership Inc. (NCCTAP), to help tourism operators and other local businesses attract more visitors by creating tourism experiences and marketing the region’s rich culture and stunning scenery.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Pat Murphy, PEI Minister of Rural and Regional Development, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, announced support totaling nearly $160,000 today for two new initiatives headed by NCCTAP, the region’s tourism association.
The first project will support a co-operative marketing program, the Fall Flavours Signature Event “Oysters on the Pier,” a shift to marketing activities online, promotional videos, professional development for stakeholders, and growth in the shoulder season. The second initiative is to develop a regional tourism plan known as the Strategic Tourism for Areas and Regions (STAR) program. The STAR program will focus on strategic planning for tourism stakeholders, experiential product development, and building capacity for tourism growth in the region.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada’s economy, including investments in key projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“People visit PEI for the rich culture, warm hospitality, and the stunning scenery. It is with great pride that we share a piece of this special place with visitors. North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership has done a tremendous job bringing together the people and businesses of Western PEI to help showcase the best of our region. These new initiatives will go a long way to supporting growth in the industry, with a focus on building memorable and authentic experiences for visitors.”
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“It is vital that government partner with organizations like North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership to showcase the beautiful North Cape Coastal Drive, enhance product offerings and help ensure that potential visitors are aware of everything the region has to offer. Our goal is to drive more visitors to stay overnight in the area to benefit accommodations, attractions, restaurants, artisans and the regional economy as a whole.”
The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“The support by the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island to the tourism sector in Western Prince Edward Island is greatly appreciated. After another record year, we are not going to rest on our laurels. We see an exciting opportunity to build on our successes and further develop the North Cape Coastal Drive region as a must-visit destination.”
Stanley MacDonald, President, North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership Inc.
Quick Facts
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ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $53,000 through its Business Development Program, to support NCCTAP’s first initiative, while the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $37,000 for the project.
The STAR program will be developed thanks in part to a non-repayable contribution of $52,500, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, and $15,000 from the Government of Prince Edward Island.
NCCTAP has promoted and supported the tourism region for the past six years. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with representation from communities in Western PEI.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
Mitchell Rennie
Tourism Manager
North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership Inc.
902-853-6557