Tourism Association Builds on Region’s Assets

News release

August 31, 2018 – Cavendish, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Last year was the best year ever for tourism in Canada, as we welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is an important economic driver in our communities, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism projects in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians. By investing in our tourism sector, we attract new visitors, grow businesses and create new ones, generating economic growth for the middle class.

The Government of Canada is helping the Cavendish Beach regional tourism association to market and build on the visitor experiences in its region.

The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, made the announcement today.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $90,000 to Tourism Cavendish Beach Inc. to help the organization implement its three-year strategic plan focused on product development, training, marketing, and season extension for its members.

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 by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025. 

Quotes

“For many years, the Atlantic region has worked on developing a strong, distinct tourism industry. It plays an important role in the diverse offerings for visitors to experience Canada-wide. The Government of Canada understands the vital role that organizations on the ground level play in growing and advancing the industry, helping businesses in their communities highlight the best of the region, while creating good, middle-class jobs and growing the economy.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

 “Tourism is a point of pride for the many Islanders who are directly employed in the sector, and those who indirectly contribute to and benefit from our vibrant industry. In rural PEI, tourism provides an opportunity for PEI to creatively build on our assets and support business growth. Regional tourism associations like Tourism Cavendish Beach do a commendable job of bringing visitors and investment into their communities.”

The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

“Tourism Cavendish Beach is grateful for the support of ACOA's Business Development program. Tourism Cavendish Beach has recently developed new branding, video, media collateral and a targeted marketing strategy to reach our potential visitors. Support through the Business Development Program has been an integral part in allowing the region to adequately promote the many great products that visitors are seeking, while supporting the significant investments made by private operators throughout the region.”

- Darcy Butler, Tourism Cavendish Beach Inc.

Quick facts

  • Established in 2004, Tourism Cavendish Beach represents 140 members across the north shore of central PEI, supporting product development and marketing of the region.

  • Tourism is a vital industry in Prince Edward Island that provides 7,700 full time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for approximately $430 million in economic activity each year and 6.3 percent of GDP, the highest percentage of any Canadian province.

  • In 2017 the industry in PEI surpassed 1.0 million overnight stays with visitation of 1,559,184 and revenues of $447.1 million.

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Darcy Butler
Destination Manager
Tourism Cavendish Beach Inc.
902-963-2078
Fax: (902)963-3607
Darcy@cavendishbeachpei.com

Page details

Date modified: