June 5, 2015 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today joined tourism stakeholders on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront at Port Charlottetown to announce funding for four tourism-related projects. As Tourism Week wraps up (May 31-June 6), project representatives had the opportunity to recognize the national initiative and outline their projects, which are sure to have positive tourism benefits across the Island.
There are countless components that make up the exceptional tourism experiences available on Prince Edward Island. The projects announced today range from seaport redevelopment, increasing cruise ship visitation and attracting meetings and conventions, to small halls festivals dotting the rural landscape. Although the projects outlined today can be seen as unique, they share common goals to attract visitors to the Island, provide exceptional experiences, increase the length of visits, and ensure that visitors will return.
The Government of Canada is providing a combined contribution of $907,777 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through its Business Development Program, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Quick Facts:
- The Charlottetown Harbour Authority was incorporated in 2004 as a non-profit corporation with a mandate to develop economic and business opportunities and to implement a long-term sustainable strategy for operating the Charlottetown Port in partnership with stakeholders. The organization is undertaking a redevelopment of its Historic Seaport Property.
- The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) was formed in 1997 between the cruise interests in the four Atlantic Provinces and support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Association is represented by a volunteer board of directors including representatives from partner ports, Atlantic Provinces, Parks Canada, industry and ACOA. ACCA’s mission is to grow and market Atlantic Canada as a preferred cruise destination to travel trade, travel media, and cruise lines. The group will implement a three-year marketing plan to build on its success to date.
- Meetings and Conventions PEI is a province-wide, membership-based organization mandated to growing meetings, conventions and the incentive travel market in PEI. The organization will develop a Market Readiness Program to provide small and medium-sized businesses with appropriate tools, knowledge, resources and recommendations required to better serve existing and future clientele, and compete for new business.
- Small Halls Inc. is a non-profit group dedicated to bringing Island communities together through the revitalization of small halls across the province. The organization established and coordinates the Festival of Small Halls held annually in June.
- Tourism is big business in Atlantic Canada. According to provincial statistics, tourism generates $4.69 billion in revenues, directly supporting 9,726 Atlantic Canadian businesses, and provides full time equivalent employment opportunities for 58,883 Atlantic Canadians. Tourism revenues represent 4.14% of Atlantic Canada’s GDP.
Quotes:
“Our Government remains focused on job creation, economic growth and ensuring that Canada remains competitive across the many sectors that contribute to our economy, and we appreciate the vital role tourism plays in this equation. I am pleased to announce our Government’s support today; tourism is an industry that touches every region, province, territory, town and community, and these projects are fine examples of the great work that is being done in PEI.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
"The Cruise industry on Prince Edward Island has grown significantly in recent years and we recognize the value of this business both for the port and for Prince Edward Island businesses. The port re-development plan will increase tour operations and assist in moving cruise passengers throughout our Province. With the support of ACOA, we are able to extend the work done to the Charlottetown waterfront and create a more welcoming property to our visiting passengers and crew as well as residents and visitors by land.”
- Stan MacPherson, Chair of the Board, Charlottetown Harbour Authority
"The dedicated members of the ACCA continue to work collaboratively toward growing the cruise industry in our region. With the support of government and our partners, we have developed a three-year marketing plan outlining strategic marketing and sales activities aimed at enhancing the awareness of Atlantic Canada as a premiere cruise destination and, in turn, increasing visitation.”
- Ms. Nora Fever, Chair, Atlantic Canada Cruise Association
“The Meetings and Conventions market has garnered increased investment and recognition as a significant contributor to local economies. With both government and partner support, we can design and execute plans like our Market Readiness Program which provides tools and education for PEI tourism operators on how to stay relevant in this competitive and lucrative market.”
- Mr. Michael Matthews, Executive Director, Meetings and Conventions PEI
“For 14 days, the 2015 PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls will produce 50 events featuring music, dance, storytelling and workshops in 41 different communities across Prince Edward Island. We are very grateful for the generous support of our government partners which allows us to help extend the Island’s tourism season and continue to host this wonderful cultural experience that both enriches and engages our Island communities.”
- Chad Stretch, Board Chair, Small Halls Inc.
Associated Links:
• Port Charlottetown
• Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA)
• Meetings and Conventions PEI
• PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI and Tourism
jana.parker@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
902-314-0874
