Tourism has been uniquely impacted by COVID-19 around the globe. In Atlantic Canada, tourism was both the first and the hardest hit sector. Amid the immense challenges of the pandemic, festival and event organizers across Prince Edward Island have adapted and persevered. Looking towards the future, creators are eager to explore new ways to advance the sector and reach new markets. Full recovery for the festivals and events sector is expected to take several years, and the Government of Canada is working to expand opportunities to develop new tourism products and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.
Fund will support new and re-imagined events to help build and sustain the tourism industry post-pandemic
March 4, 2022 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Tourism has been uniquely impacted by COVID-19 around the globe. In Atlantic Canada, tourism was both the first and the hardest hit sector. Amid the immense challenges of the pandemic, festival and event organizers across Prince Edward Island have adapted and persevered. Looking towards the future, creators are eager to explore new ways to advance the sector and reach new markets. Full recovery for the festivals and events sector is expected to take several years, and the Government of Canada is working to expand opportunities to develop new tourism products and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.
An innovative pathway for tourism recovery
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced an investment of $676,500 to support new and diverse product development in PEI’s tourism industry. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The investment will establish the PEI Events Innovation Fund, to be administered through the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI). Projects supported through the fund will help expand PEI’s tourism offer in all four seasons, showcasing the Island’s cultural and culinary assets in new and fresh ways that can sustainably grow as the tourism sector continues to recover.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to this key sector in Atlantic Canada, supporting innovation and expanded economic opportunities in rural communities, and helping the region’s tourism operators continue to deliver world-class tourism experiences.
“In the face of much adversity, Atlantic Canada’s tourism leaders have shown such creativity and resilience. As restrictions lift, and we begin to safely welcome more visitors back to our special part of the world, the Government of Canada is here to support your hard work by making strategic investments for a strong recovery.”
– The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Festivals and special events play an important role in fostering our community pride and shaping the experiences of visitors. They provide an opportunity to gather and celebrate, but they also create essential economic opportunity in some of our smaller communities.”
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“We are very pleased to see the Prince Edward Island Innovation Fund announced here today. Festivals and Events have been a big demand generator for visitation to our Island, and play such an important role in showcasing our culture, history, and music. This fund will allow many organizers to begin to rebuild on such an important sector of our tourism industry.”
– Corryn Clemence, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island