Regional Tourism Association in Eastern PEI works with local operators to boost tourism 

News release

New fund will help businesses create tourism products

May 28, 2021 · Cardigan, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Tourism operators continue to demonstrate great resilience and innovation in the face of pandemic realities. The Government of Canada is investing in the sector to help Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators develop new products and fresh approaches to delivering world-class tourism experiences.

Federal Government invests in tourism Ignition Fund

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, announced an investment of $50,000 for regional tourism association (RTA), Island East Tourism Group, Inc., to deliver the Tourism Product Ignition Fund for tourism operators in Eastern PEI. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

Island East Tourism Group Inc. will administer the $50,000 fund to help local operators explore innovative ways to strengthen and grow their business.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to invest in projects and initiatives that boost local tourism and help the industry prepare for a strong and swift recovery when travel restrictions are lifted. 

Quotes

“We commend the resilience and creativity shown across the Atlantic Canadian tourism sector during the pandemic. Our government has enhanced and expanded measures to ensure that tourism businesses are receiving the support they need now and throughout the recovery. As we work towards the day when travel restrictions can be lifted, we will continue to invest in small businesses to create economic opportunities in our rural and urban communities.”

-   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our tourism businesses have worked hard to continue operating throughout this pandemic. Their efforts have been essential to sustaining economic acitivity and employment in our rural communities. While they prepare for this summer season and, eventually, to welcome back the rest of the world, we want to provide tourism operators with every tool they can use to adapt. With the help of ACOA and our local RTA, small businesses can put themselves in a strong position to stand out.”

-   The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan

Quick facts

  • One of six regional tourism associations, Island East Tourism Group Inc. has more than 300 members throughout eastern PEI working to promote the Points East Coastal Drive.

  • Funding for these projects is being provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

  • The Tourism Product Ignition Fund follows a pilot project developed by Discover Charlottetown in early 2021 to create distinct assets for its member businesses to add value during the shoulder season. The initiative has since been adopted by all RTAs and destination management organizations (DMOs) in the province. 

  • Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada’s growth plan to create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. 

  • One of the key measures in Budget 2021 includes revitalizing Canada’s tourism sector through $1 billion to help tourism businesses recover and support festivals and cultural events that provide jobs and growth in many of our cities and communities.

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager, Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jana.Parker@ACOA-APECA.GC.CA

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Page details

Date modified: