Authentically P.E.I.

Island tourism operators taught to offer hands-on visitor experiences

Margaret McEachern knows she can offer Island visitors more than just great shopping at her business Knit Pickers in Mayfield.

McEachern and other tourism operators learned how to develop “hands on” experimental tourism packages at recent workshops hosted by Tourism P.E.I.

In partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. and regional tourism association partners, the workshops explored how to become a certified “Authentic P.E.I. Experience” and the possible new revenue it can bring to businesses.

“At Knit Pickers we make knitwear designs that are inspired by the beautiful landscape of our province,” McEachern said.

“I think there is a lot of potential for my business to develop an experiential tourism product where visitors learn to knit, weave, and participate in the creative process that goes into our designs.”

Experiential tourism development is a key component of Vision 2021, a five yearstrategy for the tourism industry commissioned by TIAPEI and developed in consultation with industry members from across the province.

The goal of the workshops is to help develop new Authentic P.E.I. Experiences for visitors, and to work with tourism operators to make their vision a reality.

“Today’s travellers want more than sightseeing, food, and entertainment; they want authentic experiences that immerse them in local culture and traditions,” said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald.

“There are already dozens of operators who provide Authentic P.E.I. Experiences and we know we can offer even more, which will help us continue to surprise people with how much there is to do on Prince Edward Island.”

For a list of certified Authentic PEI Experiences visit www.tourismpei.com/pei-experiences and for more information on Vision 2021, visit www.peitourismmatters.ca.