Government of Canada supports North Cape Coastal Area Tourism Partnership, Inc.
October 30, 2018 – Alberton, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Helping Atlantic Canadian businesses promote and build on their tourism offerings helps attract more tourists to the region, create more jobs and strengthen the local economy. To this end, the Government of Canada is investing in North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership, Inc. to build tourism in Western PEI through product development, regional marketing and membership engagement.
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), today made the announcement.
The regional tourism association based in Western PEI will use the funding to support digital and co-operative marketing, the delivery of five Accelerated Market Readiness consultations and strategic product development to enhance individual businesses.
The Government of Canada is investing $48,600 in the project through ACOA's Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region's tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold approach is in line with Canada's Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
"The Government of Canada supports a path of innovation in all aspects of our economy. For a wide-reaching sector like tourism, this means bringing new perspectives, new skill development, and new opportunity for job growth and entrepreneurial investment. Tourism associations in Atlantic Canada understand the great potential of the region and, in collaboration with their regional partners, are helping to build a forward-looking plan for tourism on the east coast."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"From urban centres to rural regions, Canadians across the country are contributing to and developing our tourism economy by creating innovative and memorable experiences for visitors. Sharing our rich, diverse cultural traditions and stunning vistas with each other and the rest of the world is an essential component to building an economy that benefits everyone and creates good middle class jobs."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"We have so much to showcase in this region, and many tourism business operators have worked to enhance that experience for visitors to Western PEI. With the support of the North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership, established businesses and new operators will be able to build on our assets and put their best foot forward."
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
"We appreciate the significance of having ACOA as a partner in this important sector within the region. Having this support in the creation of a vibrant tourism brand along with current marketing approaches is crucial in creating a go to destination for western Prince Edward Island."
John Martin, Board Member, North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership, Inc.
Quick facts
One of six regional tourism associations, the North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership, Inc. was incorporated in February 2012 as a membership based not-for-profit organization.
Tourism is a vital industry in Prince Edward Island, providing 7,700 full time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for approximately $430 million in economic activity each year and represents 6.3 percent of the value of goods and services sold, the highest percentage of any Canadian province.
In 2017, the tourism industry in PEI surpassed one million overnight stays with 1,559,184 visitors and revenues valued at $447.1 million.
