Robert Vessey
Minister of Tourism and Culture

Working Toward Increased Tourism Visitation

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors to experience our natural beauty and way of life. Over the last two years, the Department of Tourism and Culture has made great strides in moving the tourism and culture sectors forward.  

We recognize the value of our tourism product and cultural community and the impact it has on our overall economy. Our accomplishments, in partnership with many Island organizations, indicate that our small province can compete regionally, nationally and internationally in an extremely competitive market.  

We value and support the historic and cultural foundation of our province through our Culture, Heritage and Libraries Division. We want to strengthen our One Island Community by encouraging Islanders to maintain and enhance our province’s unique cultural characteristics.

In collaboration with the Tourism Advisory Council, we have developed a new marketing and sales approach, based on sound research.  No longer are decisions being made without the guidance of research.        

The Department has developed a number of tools to assist with this new approach.  The recently implemented Integrated Tourism Solution (ITS) is a web-based program that allows visitors to search for, and book, their accommodations. We believe by combining the ITS with our new Call Centre services and a database of past and potential visitors, the industry’s position will be further maximized.

Prince Edward Island is predominantly made up of rural communities and each one contributes to our Province’s charm.  Rural PEI is important to the tourism and culture sectors and as much as technology is an important element, successes would not be possible without the input of our partners.

Our department, in partnership with industry, is committed to working  toward improving our tourism and cultural assets.  With tourism and culture blended under one department, we are able to combine our resources to enhance our offerings to appeal to Islanders and visitors alike. By working with our partners, we continue to build One Island community with One Island future.

Robert Vessey
Minister of Tourism and Culture