Welcoming visitors to Experience Eastern PEI
News release
Government of Canada provides $38,000 to Island East to support Points East Coastal Drive
October 1, 2018 – St. Peters, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism 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. That is why the Government of Canada is today helping Points East Coastal Drive build on the visitor experiences in its region.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 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), made the announcement.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $38,000 to Island East Tourism Group Inc. to support the next phase of its tourism strategy. Activities include tourism product development, digital marketing, leadership training and skills development. The project will help tourism businesses enhance and create new visitor experiences, build and promote cultural events, and strengthen the regional tourism brand.
This investment builds 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
“Tourism in Canada is a culmination of vision and hard work from people in many different industries to showcase the rich culture, experiences, and landscapes found across our country. Our economy is strengthened by sharing the unique stories and assets of the Atlantic region with the rest of Canada and, indeed, the world.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Tourism is an important economic driver from coast to coast to coast. In PEI only, it provides more than 6,000 good jobs for middle class Canadians. We believe in our people and the support being provided to Island East Tourism is one of many fine examples of our commitment to helping strengthen the industry by attracting new and return visitors, and creating local jobs for the middle class.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
“We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world. The Island East Tourism Group has done an excellent job developing and promoting the Points East Coastal Drive, working with the many tourism businesses in the region to help visitors truly experience what the region has to offer. These efforts bring essential economic opportunity and employment to rural PEI.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“Island East Tourism group is excited to have the support of ACOA in implementing our latest strategic plan. This funding will allow us to work with new and existing tourism operators to ensure Points East Coastal Drive continues to be a leading tourism destination in Canada.”
Andrew Rowe, Chair, Island East Tourism Group, Inc.
Quick facts
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One of six regional tourism associations, Island East Tourism Group is a member based not-for-profit organization with over 130 members throughout Eastern PEI, focused on promoting the Points East Coastal Drive.
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Tourism is a vital industry in Prince Edward Island, providing 7,700 full time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for approximately $430 million in economic activity each year and 6.3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the highest percentage of any Canadian province.
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In 2017, the tourism industry in PEI surpassed one million overnight stays with 1,559,184 visitors and revenues valued at $447.1 million.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
chris.brooks@canada.ca
Patsy Gotell
Executive Director
Island East Tourism Group, Inc.
902-961-3540
info@pointseastcoastaldrive.com