pei tourism commercial

Language selection

• Français fr

Eastern PEI strengthens tourism industry with new marketing initiatives and experiences 

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

With many travel and public health restrictions still in place, the region’s tourism industry is facing a long and challenging road to recovery. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in six tourism groups and businesses in Eastern Prince Edward Island (PEI), to boost tourism initiatives and help the industry prepare for a swift recovery when travel restrictions are lifted.

Tourism groups and businesses receive funding for digital marketing intiatives, infrastructure projects and festivals  

May 6, 2021 · Cardigan, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Federal government invests in regional sector growth

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, and the Honourable Matthew MacKay, PEI Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, today announced a combined investment of $743,079 for seven projects to help grow the tourism sector. Minister MacAulay announced the funding on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

The funding is being provided to Island East Tourism Group Inc., Prince Edward Island Fibre Festival Inc., Point Prim Lighthouse Society Inc., Big Field Traditions Inc., Montague Waterfront Development Corporation and Nature Space Eco Resort Inc. to develop new digital marketing and visitor experiences in Eastern PEI. Additional information on the projects is given in the related backgrounder.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help position the tourism sector and the region for a strong recovery, while promoting all the amazing places, experiences and products Atlantic Canada has to offer. 

“Our government is continuing to support our tourism, arts and culture sectors while they prepare to welcome visitors from home and abroad when it is safe to do so. Our support will help tourism businesses and organizations draw visitors to our communities and rural areas once again, creating jobs and helping businesses come back from this crisis stronger than ever.” -    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our tourism operators have shown a lot of resilience over the past year, and I know they’re ready to welcome visitors back as soon as it’s safe to do so. This support will help make sure our tourism industry in Eastern PEI will be able to bounce back from the pandemic, and I’m looking forward to seeing businesses around here really get moving as we come through these next few months.” -    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan

“We’re on the road to recovery, and I want to thank both the Government of Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Communities for their support. Better, brighter days are ahead for Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t wait for us to get back to doing what we do best, delivering world-class hospitality to our visitors, when the time is right. - The Honourable Matthew MacKay, PEI Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture

“Funding for these projects is key to promoting the unique places, food and experiences Eastern PEI has to offer. Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we are determined to continue to build upon the strengths of our region, businesses and visitor experiences for years to come.” - Patsy Gotell, Executive Director for Island East Tourism Group Inc.

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.

The PEI Fibre Festival will celebrate fibre enthusiasts by showcasing and promoting Atlantic products through a 3-day festival of educational and interactive experiences and a bilingual website.

Incorporated in 2011, the Point Prim Lighthouse Society Inc. protects the heritage and character of the lighthouse and its surroundings.

Big Field Traditions Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to foster, promote and facilitate the traditional music and culture of PEI. It hosts the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival and provides space for other events. 

The Montague Waterfront Development Corporation operates the Montague and Brudenell Marinas. It is operated by an independent board of directors appointed by the Town of Three Rivers. The board’s mission is to develop, promote and manage the Waterfront area.

The Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre is a four-season Glamping Resort and Retreat Centre in St. Peter’s Harbour, PEI.

Funding for these projects is being provided from a variety of ACOA programs, namely the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, the Business Development Program (BDP) and the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). 

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.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Government of Canada supports tourism development in Eastern PEI

Associated links

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages [email protected]

Jana Parker Smith Communications Manager, Prince Edward Island Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency [email protected]

Hillary MacDonald Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Senior Communications Officer [email protected] 902-394-6368

Patsy Gotell Executive Director Island East Tourism Group Inc. 902-394-6368 [email protected]

Stay connected

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

Page details

Tourism P.E.I. shoots and scores NHL marketing partnership

$2.5 million deal will see island branded as the league’s official travel destination.

Social Sharing

Tourism Prince Edward Island and the National Hockey League have entered into a three-year marketing partnership that will see the Island branded as the NHL's official travel destination. 

The provincial government is paying the NHL $2.5 million for the first year of the agreement, which will give P.E.I. access to the league's marketing machine. 

The attractions of a trip to Prince Edward Island will receive broadcast exposure, beginning when the Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday night in Boston, one of the markets the tourism industry has identified as a target.

"We are a world-renowned travel destination. [The NHL has] seen the opportunity, the beauty, they know the Island hospitality, and they just wanted to come and be part of it," said Brodie O'Keefe, director of operations and industry investment with Tourism P.E.I.

• Get the news you need without restrictions. Download our  free CBC News  app.

"It's something different; it's a new market for them. It's not your downtown Toronto or downtown New York." 

In addition to provincial tourism branding being displayed on arena boards and video screens during NHL game broadcasts, the partnership also allows the province to use the NHL logo alongside Tourism P.E.I. branding. 

The league will host some business meetings and summits on the Island, and will promote travel to the province across its network, website, apps and social media platforms. 

Why P.E.I. is now the NHL's official travel destination

Province bumped up tourism budget.

Tourism P.E.I.'s annual marketing budget is $5.5 million, and the province approved this $2.5 million for the NHL deal over and above that. 

The province will have a chance to back out of the deal after the first year, or negotiate a new deal for year two if it feels the experiment was worth the investment. 

"We have to spend money to make money," O'Keefe said. "The tourism industry in Prince Edward Island generates $85 million in tax revenue, which comes back to the province [and] can be used to support other sectors across our government and across the Island."

This idea was actually kickstarted about 18 months ago when the NHL reached out to the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., or TIAPEI, to gauge interest in a marketing partnership. 

That eventually led to a Tourism P.E.I. booth at a fan convention during the recent NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto, where Island marketers impressed the league with local products like Cows ice cream and the opportunity for fans to fire hockey pucks at lobster traps. 

'The potential is endless'

TIAPEI chief executive officer Corryn Clemence said the goal of the partnership is to promote the tourism industry in markets like Ontario and New England.

"This is huge," she said. "We all know how prestigious and how big the NHL brand is … so to become the official travel destination partner of the NHL, it passes on that level of prestige and brand awareness to us. The potential really is endless." 

• Province needs to promote Island more after dip in tourism, opposition says
• P.E.I. communities harnessing winter festivals to help year-round tourism grow

Tuesday night's game broadcast in Boston will feature plenty of P.E.I. content, with the restaurant in TD Garden serving up a locally sourced menu, oyster shucking, and an appearance by Prince Edward Islander Adam McQuaid, a former Bruin. 

"Word's out there of how great Prince Edward Island is, and they [saw] the opportunity to come and partner with us on it," O'Keefe said. "We are the first-ever official travel destination of the NHL."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen Brun works for CBC in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Through the years he has been a writer and editor for a number of newspapers and news sites across Canada, most recently in the Atlantic region. You can reach him at [email protected].

With files from Steve Bruce

Related Stories

• Cattle are boosting the soil on this P.E.I. farm — and fighting climate change
• P.E.I. harbours face challenges with approach of lobster season
• Tourism minister faces more questions on deputy's spending
• P.E.I.'s paramedics are now self-regulated, but their union has some concerns

• Places To Stay
• Things To Do

City Life. Island Style.

Discover Charlottetown

Charlottetown might be a small city, but it’s bursting with big energy and infectious island vibes. It’s got all the charm and hospitality PEI is famous for, plus culinary experiences and an arts and culture scene that take visitors by surprise—in the best way possible.

Soak in the romance and nostalgia of our postcard-perfect streetscapes. Wander along a boardwalk where lobster boats and sailboats cozy up. Stay in a B&B that will give you serious Anne energy. Sound good? It’s time to discover Charlottetown.

Spring Has Sprung!

Cue the cherry blossoms, vibrant events, sparkling water views, and happy faces. Spring is here in Charlottetown. Get ready to experience the Good Life in our seaside city.

Parents Dine Out in the City

Dine out in Charlottetown and get FREE childcare that same night. Friday nights in March and April are your chance to kick up your heels and enjoy a meal on the town while your kids have some organized fun of their own.

Stay 2 Nights, Get $50 Promo

It's time for a reset! Treat yourself AND save when you book a 2-night stay at a participating hotel in Charlottetown anytime in March or April, and receive a $50 cash card to be used at various local retailers and restaurants.

Happy Hour Thursday Resto & Bar Crawl

Thursday is the new Friday this March & April! Charlottetown's resto & bar hot spots are offering pop-up entertainment, Happy Hour deals, and a shuttle service between venues all evening.

Upcoming Events

Stay with us.

Modern luxury. Authentic Island. Gorgeous Victorian. For every taste, there’s a place to rest your head after a day spent exploring our captivating city.

Get Inspired

Unforgettable moments.

Culture. Romance. Fun. Adventure. It’s all yours to explore - and more. Feel right at home while you discover new, authentic experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.

Start Your Island Adventure Here

By sea, air, or land (ok it’s a bridge, but still), getting to Charlottetown is a breeze. We’ve got everything you need to plan your perfect itinerary—or play it by ear. We like the sound of that.

2024 Official Travel Guide

Dreaming of visiting Charlottetown this year? Find all the inspiration you'll ever need in our 2024 Travel Guide. Easily browse online or order one directly to your doorstep!

Follow Your Heart. Share What you Find.

• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Instagram
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on YouTube
• Connect with us on Pinterest
• Connect with us on Vimeo
• Don't Be A Stranger The best Charlottetown has to offer, direct to your inbox.

Getaway Packages Prince Edward Island

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Don’t miss out on the PEI events, new attractions and special offers.

Our Getaway Packages

We believe in celebrating every season on Prince Edward Island. Filter package offerings by your area of interest: Winter, Family, Romance & Wellness, Golf & Outdoor Adventure, Island Traditions and Culinary.

International Women’s Golf Day

Mill River Resort

Woodstock | North Cape Coastal Drive

Price: $225 plus taxes (per person)

Available: June 5, 2024

The Anne of Green Gables Package

Florence Simmons Performance Hall

Charlottetown | Charlottetown

Price: $72.97 plus taxes and fees (per person)

Available: May 15 - October 15, 2024

Savour the Orchard: Cidery Taste and Tour Package

Double Hill Cidery

Caledonia | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $55 plus taxes (per person)

Available: May 18 - October 12, 2024

Savour the Orchard: Cidery Stay and Taste

Percy Hill Vacation Home

Glenwilliam | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $55 plus taxes (per person plus accommodation cost)

Dine & Stay at North Shore Canteen

North Shore Canteen Condo

French River | Green Gables Shore

Price: $350 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Available: March 16 - June 30, 2024

Savour the Orchard ~ Cidery Stay and Taste Package

Nellie's Landing Marina Inc.

Murray Harbour | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $399 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: June 1 - June 30, 2024

Wine & Dine Package

Price: $850 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: June 1 - September 30, 2024

Simple Habits for Life - Wellness Retreat

Dalvay By The Sea Inn & Dining Room

Dalvay | Green Gables Shore

Price: $1599 plus taxes (per person)

Available: May 19 - May 22, 2024

All Things Cavendish Beach

The Gables of PEI

Stanley Bridge | Green Gables Shore

Price: $3275 plus taxes (based on two adults, two children)

Available: June 29 - August 31, 2024

Memory Lane Romance

Kindred Spirits Inn and Cottages

Cavendish | Green Gables Shore

Price: $189 plus taxes (based on double occupancy and a two night stay)

Available: May 24 - October 6, 2024

Family Package

Price: $272 plus taxes (based on two adults, two children and accommodation cost)

Anne Package

Price: $250 plus taxes (per person - plus accommodation cost)

Spring Lobster Package

Stone's Throw B&B

Georgetown | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $349 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: May 2 -June 26, 2024

Summer Golf Getaway

Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort

Lakeside | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $236 plus taxes (per person)

Available: June 17 - September 29, 2024

Friends & Fairways

Mill River Golf Course

Mill River | North Cape Coastal Drive

Price: $189 plus taxes (per person)

Available: Sunday-Thursday from June 21 – Sept 29, 2024.

Spring Swing Season Opener

Price: $175 plus taxes (per person)

Available: Sunday - Thursday, starting June 20, 2024

The Ocean Golf Package

Price: $490 plus taxes (per person)

Available: May 3 - October 20, 2024

Family Fun with Anne

Price: $2415 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Available: June 22 - August 31, 2024

Cavendish Beach Golf Trail

Price: $643 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

A Bosom Buddies Getaway

Price: $448 plus taxes (per person)

Available: June-September (5 night minimum June 21 - September 13).

Unlimited Cavendish Beach Tour

Price: $995 plus taxes (per person based on double occupancy)

Available: May 3 - September 20, 2024

Room for Romance

The Holman Grand Hotel

Price: $259 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: Year Round

Girls Night Inn

Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Charlottetown

Price: $80 plus taxes per person (based on quad occupancy)

Available: until May 31, 2024

All Things Anne

Price: $2270 plus taxes

Available: June 22 -August 31, 2024

Unlimited Cavendish Beach Golf - 5 Nights

Fairways Cottages

Price: $782 plus taxes (per person)

Available: May 15th - Oct 15th, 2024

Sweet City Getaway

The Hotel on Pownal

Price: $279 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Available: Package available on Fridays & Saturdays until April 30, 2024

Cavendish Wellness Getaway

Price: $1000 plus taxes (based on full rental)

Couples Getaway

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Souris West | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $175 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: until Dec 31, 2024

A Getaway from the Everyday

The Great George

Price: $299 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Spring into Wellness Mini Retreat

Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre

St. Peters Harbour | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $535 plus taxes (1) $599 plus taxes (based on double) $699 plus taxes (based on triple)

Available: April 26 - June 17, 2024

Sweet Suites and Ice Cream Experience

Holman's Heritage Suites

Summerside | Summerside

Price: $318 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: Feb 14 - May 31, 2024

Outdoor Adventure

Treetop Haven Inc.

Mount Tryon | Red Sands Shore

Price: $450 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: May 1 - May 31, 2024

Serenity at Steel Away

Grand Tracadie | Green Gables Shore

Price: $550 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: Jan 1 - May 31, 2024

Wharfside Retreat Package

The Olde Anchor Bed & Breakfast

Murray River | Points East Coastal Drive

Off-Grid Cabin Retreat

Meridian63° Luxury Camping

Bonshaw | Red Sands Shore

Available: December 29 - March 22, 2024 (weekends only) May 10 - May 31, 2024

Always Yours Romance

Barachois Inn

Rustico | Green Gables Shore

Price: $579 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: until April 30, 2024

Winter Vacation At The Sydney

Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

Available: until Apr 30, 2024

Rest in the City, Relax by the Bay

Cozy Winter Getaway

Prince County Guest House

Miscouche | North Cape Coastal Drive

Price: $420 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Downtown Charlottetown Resort Experience

Price: $274 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

The Sweet Escape Girls Weekend

SeaWinds Cottages

Rusticoville | Green Gables Shore

Price: $469 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Dinner on Us

Price: $189 plus taxes (based on single/double occupancy)

Coastal Scenic Hiking Cycling

Price: $506 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: May 15 - Oct 16, 2024

Taste Our Story

Price: $811 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Two Theme Park Package

Mayfield Country Cottages

Mayfield | Green Gables Shore

Price: $689 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy - 2 adults, 2 children)

Available: June 15 - Sep 2, 2024

3 Nights 4 Cavendish Golf Rounds

Price: $559 per person plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Available: June 8 - Sep 23, 2024

7 Day Unlimited Passes

Price: $1319 plus taxes( based on quad occupancy - 2 adults, 2 children)

Available: June 21 - Sep 4, 2024

Family Fun Package

Price: $789 plus taxes (based on quad occupancy- 2 adults, 2 children)

Available: June 16- Sep 2, 2024

Tour de Cavendish Cycling

Price: Cycling add on $65 per person added to your choice of accommodation unit

Couples Resort Getaway

Rodd Brudenell River Resort

Georgetown Royalty | Points East Coastal Drive

Price: $494 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Available: May 1- Oct 31, 2024

4 Nights 4 Rounds of Golf

Price: $565 per person plus taxes (based on quad occupancy)

Available: June - Sept 30, 2024

Weekday Stay in Summerside

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Summerside

Price: $358 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

City Spa Package

Price: $599 based on double occupancy plus taxes

Available: until Oct 31, 2024

Price: $782 plus taxes (per person based on quad occupancy)

Available: May 15 - Oct 15, 2024

Hills Eagles Golf - 2 Nights

Price: $344 plus taxes (per person based on quad occupancy)

Couples Package - 3 Nights

Price: $469 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

Cavendish Beach Love

Price: $566 plus taxes (based on double occupancy)

7 Nights 7 Rounds of Golf

Price: $949 plus taxes (per person based on double occupancy)

Disclaimer: The start and end dates displayed for operator packages do not necessarily indicate availability inclusive of these dates.

• Search and menus
• Site Search
• Departments
• Agriculture
• Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
• Education and Early Years
• Environment, Energy and Climate Action

Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture

• Health and Wellness
• Housing, Land and Communities
• Justice and Public Safety
• Social Development and Seniors
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population

• Apply for the Future Fisher Program

Apply for Festivals and Events Funding and Submit Evaluation Form

• Small Grants Program for Sports

Popular Content

The responsibility of the Ministry is to contribute to the growth of sustainable, prosperous fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises, to provide leadership in advancing the development of rural and regional PEI, and to develop, deliver and monitor programs and services in the areas of sport, recreation and physical activity. The Ministry works to preserve the heritage of Prince Edward Island and to collaborate with industry and stakeholders in order to enhance and support Prince Edward Island's tourism and cultural sectors.

Learn more about our department

Aquaculture

• View Oyster Monitoring Results
• Aquatic Invasive Species
• View Mussel Monitoring Results
• Chief Veterinary Officer
• Aquaculture Programs

Culture and Arts

• Acadian and Francophone Culture Fund
• Community Cultural Partnership Program
• PEI Art Bank Acquisition
• Archaeological Investigations
• Culture Action Plan

Marine Fisheries and Seafood Services

• Apply for a Fish Buyer Licence
• Apply for a Fish Processor Licence
• Apply for a Fish Peddler Licence
• Fishery Statistics

Museums and Heritage

• Provincial Heritage Places Recognition Program
• Become a Member of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
• Provincial Heritage Fair
• Provincial Heritage Places Incentive

Rural and Regional Development

• Reception Centre Resiliency Fund
• Heat Pumps Initiative
• Rural Communities Council
• Youth On Board Program
• Rural Growth Initiative 2021-2022 Results Infographic

Sports, Recreation and Physical Activity

• Elite Athlete Assistance Program
• Amateur Sport Funding Program
• Community Leadership Program
• Prince Edward Island Sport Hosting Program

Supports and Services

• Monthly Tourism Indicators
• Tourism Strategy 2022-2023

Tourism Supports

• Island Welcome Centre Program Guidelines
• Apply for Student Vacation Planner Jobs
• Multi-Season Tourism Micro Grant Program
• Tourism Website French Translation Support Program
• Apply for Provincial Golf Course Student Positions

Hon. Cory Deagle

• Employee Directory
• Legislation
• Mandate Letters
• Public Disclosure of Expenses
• Reports, Publications & Statistics

PEI Tourism Information

General Inquiries

Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Shaw Building 95-105 Rochford Street Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 North 3rd Floor

Telephone: 902-368-5956

[email protected]

© 2024 Government of Prince Edward Island

• Accessibility