Tapping inspiration from the Magdalen Islands
Group of Islanders heading out on exploratory mission
Fourteen Islanders will soon be heading out on an exploratory mission to the Magdalen Islands hoping to bring back inspiration for new tourism experiences and attractions on the Island.
The representatives vary from tourism businesses, community organizations, cultural events and Acadian municipalities.
Gilles Arsenault, tourism development officer with RDÉE Prince Edward Island who is co-ordinating the mission, explains that the Magdalen Islands are primarily known for the tourism experiences they offer visitors.
He feels P.E.I. should follow in its footsteps.
“Our Island could fairly easily offer visitors an opportunity to participate actively in a much wider variety of authentic experiences. The Acadian and francophone regions of the Island are in an especially favourable position to get involved in this type of development since they already have been a very vibrant culture and can serve customers in Canada’s two official languages,” he said.
This mission is a followup to a tourism forum held last spring in Abram-Village. Several Magdalen tourism operators had participated to make presentations about their attractions and experiences.
“We’re also looking to broaden the range of participants in tourism development,” added Arsenault.
Participants will spend two of the three days travelling, so Sept. 20 is the day for exploration. In addition to a tour of several museums, other cultural centres and a bakery, there will also be group discussions and networking events.
The Sept. 19 to 21 mission is a joint initiative of RDÉE P.E.I. and the Evangeline Tourism Association, in collaboration with Tourisme Îes de la Madeleine.