July 25, 2019 - Tignish, PE - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Providing unique opportunities for visitors to experience Western Prince Edward Island's rich history of fishing, cuisine and entertainment helps to boost the tourism sector and the regional economy. With support from the Government of Canada, music lovers and history enthusiasts from all over can take in great tunes, picturesque views and a whole lot more at the Stompin' Tom Festival Series in Skinners Pond.
The festival series will enable Canadians and visitors to Canada to fully appreciate the Island's cultural heritage through the music and food that attract thousands of tourists to this region of the province each year. That's why the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), provided nearly $25,000 to Tignish Initiatives Corporation to help market and promote the 2019 festival.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the announcement today.
The musical festival series is hosting singers and songwriters bi-weekly throughout the summer. Featuring well-known Atlantic Canadian artists and local talent, the new format encourages guests to make return visits. Shows kicked-off in June and performances will run until the end of September.
This announcement takes place after Minister Joly's announcement of the new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada's tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.
Quotes
"Investments in projects such as this one in communities across the country helps to attract more tourists year-round and, when visitor numbers increase and businesses succeed, we all succeed. Growing tourism in rural areas like Skinners Pond, PEI, is a great example of how small communities can leave a big impression in the industry. The Government of Canada's new federal tourism growth strategy was developed to support the potential of tourism to drive economic growth and job creation in all regions of the country."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"The only thing better than attracting visitors to Western PEI, is doing it time and time again. This new festival format provides great opportunity for repeat visits - we want Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy all West Prince has to offer and this year's line-up of entertainment at the Stompin' Tom Centre would make the Canadian icon proud! Creating unforgettable experiences gets people talking and word-of-mouth is an effective tourism strategy. I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting Tignish Initiatives and this worthwhile festival."
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
"The Stompin' Tom Festival Series gives the Centre an opportunity to bring in higher profile regional entertainers, which attract more visitors to Western PEI. It also gives our very talented local entertainers an opportunity to get more exposure to a broader audience. We're paying it forward in the spirit of Stompin' Tom, who fiercely supported Canadian music and up and coming artists!"
Anne Arsenault, Festival Director and General Manager of the Stompin' Tom Centre
Quick facts
-
The Government of Canada, through ACOA's Business Development Program, contributed $24,712 to Tignish Initiatives Corporation to promote and market the 2019 Stompin' Tom Festival Series.
-
Tignish Initiatives Corporation is a non-profit community economic development organization with a mission to pursue opportunities for growth in the Tignish area.
-
The Tignish Initiatives Corporation owns and operates the Stompin' Tom Centre.
-
This is the third season for the musical festival series.
-
Tourism supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada, with 56% of those being in rural areas.
Contacts
Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Anne Arsenault
General Manager
Tignish Initiatives Corporation
902-882-2230
