Another record tourism season expected

The latest numbers from Tourism P.E.I. show that 2018 could be another record season for tourist visits to the province.

But the numbers show there were declines in some areas, including overnight stays.

P.E.I. Tourism Industry Association CEO Kevin Mouflier said P.E.I. had four years of growth and is stepping up to continue increasing the number of visits to the province.

“I think overall we’ve had a very positive season,” he said.

The department’s preliminary estimates project 1.58 million visitors to P.E.I. in 2018 and more than one million overnight stays for the second year in a row.

Year-to-date numbers for September also show a 1.6 per cent drop in overnight stays compared to 2017.

All but two of P.E.I.’s seven

heritage sites saw drops in the number of visitors for a total decrease of 5.4 per cent.

When it came to fixed-roof accommodations, there was a 2.4 per cent increase in the total number of room-nights available in P.E.I.

Those accommodations saw a 1.7 per cent drop in room-nights sold.

Tourism Minister Chris Palmer said there could be several reasons for a decline in overnight stays, including smaller party sizes and shorter lengths of stay.

With a record-setting cruise ship season, it’s not surprising to see an increase in overall visitation without an increase in overnight stays, Palmer said.

“Department staff continue to monitor and examine this developing disparity.”

The full September indicator report can be found at

Princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/current_monthly_indicators.pdf