A great first impression
Revamped Kensington Welcome Centre set to open mid-May
Derrick Hoare says it’s important for tourists to have a great first impression of P.E.I.
That’s something he feels can be achieved while they visit the Kensington Welcome Centre, which is expected to open middle of May. Reaching this point came with difficulty, noted Hoare, chairman of the Central Coastal Tourism Partnership (CCTP). The group took over operations of the centre, and was $15,000 short after drawing up the operational plan. The Town of Kensington put forth $5,000, and CCTP hopes to raise the rest with a silent auction on May 13.
“Whether it is the town’s folks or the leadership of Kensington with Mayor (Rowan) Caseley and his staff stepping forward, it has meant a ton,” said Hoare. “The money is very much needed, but the volunteerism we’ve gotten is equally important.” The group plans for people like himself and others to cover shifts at the welcome centre, in the event they still have shortfalls, to save money on staffing.
“We’re hopeful in two to three years it will be a sustainable operation,” said Hoare. He said 10,000 people went through the welcome centre in 2015, and that’s when it wasn’t running at optimum capacity since it opened late and closed early in the season. “There’s no reason we can’t do 15,000 people through there. It should happen since we’ll be open more often and it will be more user-friendly.”
He’s grateful for everyone’s generosity and time spent in developing a professional welcome centre. “Everyone had something to give, and now we have a welcome centre that looks great, and is ready to welcome the public.” Kensington is at the crossroads between Cavendish and Charlottetown, meaning travellers frequent the main intersection of the town where the welcome centre is located.
“If we can get folks to stop and have our people tell them what’s available they’ll stop and spend some time with us,” added Hoare. “That benefits the economy, and it will benefit the tourists that will engage with local artisans and culinary folks.” He said the Kensington Welcome Centre gives the town and surrounding areas an opportunity to showcase all they have to offer to tourists visiting from all over the world.
“The first person they run into could be me at the desk or a young student, and it’s the first impression of P.E.I. That’s why it’s important because people could go, ‘wow, it is as friendly as they said’,” he laughed. “I have no doubt once they’re in the welcome centre they will feel the warmth and hospitality, of not only Kensington, but also us good Prince Edward Island folk.”