Flocking to museums
Every museum and historic site on P.E.I. saw more visitation this year
It was a record setting season at the Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary, as the number of visitors were up at all museum sites on P.E.I. this year.
It was a record setting season at the Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary, which saw 14,483 patrons through its doors.
“Last year we were up to 12,600 paying visitors and this year we were up again,” said Donna Rowley, manager of the museum. “I think the growing numbers is a great boost for the local economy and businesses in the area. “It was a great and busy summer for us. Our kitchen was going non-stop. And I’m sure a lot of visitors who passed through our doors stopped in the area at stores and businesses. Hopefully they invested some time in their visit,” said MacDonald.
This year’s total was the largest influx the museum has seen in 18 years.
Much like the potato museum, Basin Head Fisheries Museum saw an increase in visitation numbers.
“We’ve had an amazing year and a big increase in visitation
over the last few season,” said Elizabeth Macdonald, the site director.
The museum, located east of Souris, saw a nearly 14 per cent increase in visitors this season.
“Our success this season is a very clear sign that the tourism industry is performing well and visitors are taking a keen interest in our culture and history, which isn’t surprising given it was Canada’s
150th anniversary.”
The most impressive increases among provincial museum and heritage sites were at Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House in Port Hill (36.2 per cent) and Orwell Corner Historic Village (18.1 per cent).
“Last year was a good year for tourism, and to have that followed up by another one is really saying something,” said David
Keenlyside, the executive director of P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Every year, weather, campgrounds and site programs can play a factor in numbers, but this year Canada 150 could have also played a factor.
“All of our heritage and museum sites saw an increase this year. Specifically for Green Park, there was a very good turnout on camp day alongside a very successful blueberry social which is always a popular event.”
Tourism is a primary industry on P.E.I. and a key driver of economic development. It provides over 7,700 direct jobs and contributes approximately $430 million to the provincial economy.
“The collaboration, imagination and work ethic of operators, event organizers and industry associations across the province has made Prince Edward Island a world-class destination,” said Heath MacDonald, minister of Economic Development and Tourism.