PEI July tourism indicators reveal record number of overnight stays

Tourism indicators in July are even better than initially anticipated with record numbers in overnight stays, pointing to the success of our season thanks to our tourism operators in Prince Edward Island, says Minister Heath MacDonald, Economic Development and Tourism. 

The July tourism numbers revealed a record level of overnight stays in Prince Edward Island with slightly more than 253,000 overnight stays in paid accommodations (fixed roof and campgrounds). This past July is the strongest one on record since occupancy reporting began in 2005.

For the month of July, room-nights sold were up 11.1 per cent and just over 12 per cent for the year. Campground site nights sold are up by 11.5 per cent in July and 12.4 per cent for the year. Specifically, accommodations in Points East saw an increase of room nights sold by 12.8 per cent and campground site nights sold by 15.7 per cent from the same time last year, which sheds light on the significance of ensuring a second ferry is secured to support the increasing tourism interest in the area.

The number of overnight stays increased by 11.2 per cent in July, fuelled predominately by strong visitation from New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and United States visitors. Year-to-date overnight stays are up just over 12 per cent.

“These strong occupancy statistics, as well as other tourism indicators, are a continuation of our positive industry trends,” said Minister MacDonald. “In addition, bridge, air, and motor coach traffic indicators are up which shows positive signs of tourists travelling to Prince Edward Island from various areas. Early indicators for August also look promising, and we look forward to welcoming new tourists in the coming weeks and months to our beautiful Island.”

The Confederation Bridge traffic was up by 12.5 per cent for the month of July and 11.5 per cent for the year. Air traffic was up 6.8 per cent this month and up significantly, 15.8 per cent for the year. Motor coach traffic was also up 11 per cent this month and up by 7.4 per cent year to date. Tourism activity was strong across the Island in July.

 “It’s great news to hear of the record level of room nights sold. This has a positive ripple effect for every Islander and for the many other businesses who are impacted by tourism. Businesses all over the Island, both small and large, urban and rural will benefit,” said Robert Jourdain, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI). “Over the past few years, momentum has been building. There has been a very strong effort put forth by everyone involved in tourism, from the many Islanders who greet our visitors, the marketing team, and our tourism operators. This effort has created stronger awareness and more reason for people to visit and experience our Island, and share their stories.”

 “We thank all of our tourism operators and staff across Prince Edward Island who are constantly working to ensure tourists and Islanders alike have the best experience while visiting their establishments. We are very confident in our tourism industry and look forward to more great success for Prince Edward Island in the weeks to follow,” said Minister MacDonald. 

Tourism indicators are provided to the Province by individual tourism stakeholders and are compiled by staff in the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. To see more, visit July 2016 Tourism Indicators.
 
Tourism is a vital industry and key driver of economic development in Prince Edward Island that provides over 7,700 direct jobs and contributes approximately $400 million in economic activity to provincial economy.

Media contact:
Sheila Kerry
Economic Development and Tourism
(902) 620-3688
slkerry@gov.pe.ca