Proposals sought for large-scale spring tourism event

Creating jobs for Islanders -

After a record-setting one million overnight stays in 2017, Tourism PEI wants to attract even more visitors to Prince Edward Island in the May and June shoulder season.

To reach that goal, the provincial government issued a call today (www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/view-pei-tenders-and-procurement) for expressions of interest for a spring season signature event beginning in 2019. Such a major event could provide operators with an early season boost and provide economic benefit to all Islanders.

“We have many excellent examples of events and activities we support that are generating visits in what were otherwise slower times for the industry,” Economic Development and Tourism Minister Chris Palmer said.

“We think a large-scale springtime event or activity could help bring additional visitors to the Island during the early part of the year.”

Development of shoulder season activities was a key recommendation of Vision 2021, a five-year strategic plan for tourism developed by the industry.

“Vision 2021 promotes the enhancement of the shoulder season as a great opportunity for growth of tourism on PEI,” Tourism Industry Association President Robert Jourdain said. “Extending visitor experiences into the typically slower times of the year is a welcome step toward a year-round tourism product.”

Event proposals will be considered based on their ability to:

• generate substantial direct impacts on the provincial economy;
• attract a high ratio of off-Island visitation;
• create wide market exposure;
• offer significant tourism, cultural or social benefits; or
• benefits for rural development in Prince Edward Island.

Proposals that meet the provincial requirements will be invited to submit to a formal call for proposals.

To see the expression of interest documents and for more information, visit:
www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/view-pei-tenders-and-procurement

Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca