Photo courtesy Tourism P.E.I. / Shirley Gallant

This year is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for tourism in Prince Edward Island according to research from the P.E.I. Department of Economic Development & Tourism. In September, the province welcomed more than 116,000 overnight stays, an increase of more than 20 per cent over the same period last year.

“In 2015 the province enjoyed the highest level of overnight stays from June to September since tracking began in 2005,” said Heath MacDonald, minister of economic development and tourism. “Events like Fall Flavours, the P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival helped drive visitation, and put our unique culture and world famous hospitality on display."

The island’s heritage sites as well as its iconic Green Gables House and Prince Edward Island National Park all saw major increases in September and year-to-date levels are also higher than last year.

Major tourism increases were also reported by the Confederation Bridge and Northumberland Ferries.  Bridge traffic was up 14.3 per cent while ferry passengers increased by more than 30 per cent over last year. Year-to-date numbers are also up at the bridge (6 per cent) and ferries (9.8 per cent). Golf rounds also increased in September, although year-to-date numbers are lagging just slightly behind 2014.

“2015 is an exciting year for growth in the tourism Industry, especially measuring up against 2014,” said Kevin Mouflier, executive director of the Tourism Industry Association. “It has been extremely encouraging to see September outperform previous years.”

The Charlottetown Airport also saw an increase in passenger totals in September, which were up by 3.6 per cent compared to last year. Year-to-date traffic is down slightly (2.4 per cent) compared to last year.

What’s Ahead for P.E.I.

With a new Air Canada flight and a number of new tourism products in the works, 2016 should bring more tourism growth to P.E.I.

In May 2016, Air Canada is rolling out a new seasonal flight to Charlottetown on its leisure carrier, Air Canada rouge. The non-stop will operate twice daily between May 2, 2016 and Oct. 23, 2016.

"By deploying Air Canada rouge on Charlottetown, a popular summer travel destination, Air Canada is reinforcing its commitment to meet the needs of islanders and the island's tourism and business community,” said Benjamin Smith, Air Canada president of passenger airlines.

Next summer, Air Canada rouge and Air Canada Express will operate up to 69 scheduled non-stop flights each week between Charlottetown and four destinations in Canada. The new daily flight, with service on an Airbus 310, is expected to increase Air Canada’s seat capacity to Charlottetown by 35 per cent.

"The use of larger Airbus A319 aircraft between Charlottetown and Toronto will provide more capacity for islanders as well as the thousands of tourists that travel to our beautiful province every year,” said Airport Authority CEO Doug Newson. “Air Canada has served Prince Edward Island for several decades and we thank them for continuing to pursue strategic growth options that will have a significant impact on P.E.I.'s economy."

New Attractions in Prince Edward Island

Plenty of new attractions are also being rolled out in the coming year:

The Table—Annie’s Table, an award-winning restaurant and culinary studio founded in 2012, is under new ownership and has a new name, The Table. With cooking classes and hands-on exploration of its gardens, guests can connect to the local history, food and culture of P.E.I. The facility opens in May 2016.

Jig & Reels Deep Sea Fishing Experience—Lobster fishing meets P.E.I.’s traditional music in this distinctive outdoor experience. Sail along Prince Edward Island’s scenic coastline with the Jigs & Reels program, while learning basic stepdancing and square dancing and trying your hand at P.E.I.’s most-famed musical instrument, the spoons.

P.E.I. Coastal Tours and Experiences—Over the years, John Martin, a former clam fisher and currently a guide with the Canadian Potato Museum and his partner Eileen Conway-Martin have developed close relationships with local experts. With P.E.I. Coastal Tours & Experiences, guests can participate in potato farming, oyster fishing and lobster fishing as well as learning about the music, art and culture of the island.

Star Fish Hunt with Tranquility Cove Adventures—When the tide is low, guests can explore the beaches along the shores of the beautiful Brudenell River looking for marine life and Sea Stars (or better known as Star Fish). Tranquility Cove Adventures offers a two-hour beach hunt which is exceptionally popular with family travellers.

Robinson’s Island Trail in P.E.I. National Park—The recently completed Robinson’s Island Trail System stretches in a “stacked loop,” so explorers can choose shorter or longer route depending on their skill level or time constraints. All routes end up on a secluded beach, perfect for a mid-afternoon picnic.

Stompin’ Tom Centre—A new Stompin' Tom Connors tribute attraction will open Canada Day 2016 in Skinners Pond, where the Canadian folk icon grew up. The centrepiece, a new 4,000-square-foot café and cabaret-style entertainment space that will commemorate the music of the Canadian singing icon, who died in 2013 at the age of 77.

More information can be viewed online at Tourism P.E.I.

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