National Tourism Week Celebrating our Operators and the Impact of Tourism on Prince Edward Island
National Tourism Week 2025 (April 7 – 11) is here, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate the powerhouse industry that fuels our Island’s economy, supports our communities, and showcases the best of PEI to the world!
Tourism is one of PEI’s biggest exports, and unlike other industries, it doesn’t face tariffs, making it one of the most resilient and rewarding investments for Islanders.
PEI’s tourism industry brings millions of new dollars into our economy, supports 1 in 10 jobs on the Island, and contributes $88 million in tax revenue that funds essential services like healthcare, education, transit and infrastructure.
Simply put: when tourism thrives, PEI thrives.
A Record-Breaking Year for PEI Tourism
2024 was a banner year for tourism on PEI, leading the country in growth!
- Visitor spending hit a record $520.7 million, up 4% from the previous high in 2023.
- Confederation Bridge traffic reached a new record, up 5% over 2023.
- Charlottetown Airport saw its busiest year ever, with a 2% increase over 2023.
- Cruise traffic surged 21% over the previous record in 2019, bringing thousands of visitors to our shores.
- Golf rounds, campground site-nights, and heritage site visits all set new records.
- Food and beverage sales hit an all-time high, up 1.5% over 2023.
- Tourism PEI’s website traffic skyrocketed by 71% over 2023, helping drive awareness and bookings for local operators.
These are more than just numbers—they represent livelihoods, thriving businesses, and a stronger PEI for all of us.
More Than Just an Economic Driver
Tourism isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about people, culture, and connection, and as Islanders, it’s very much a part of our identity.
From our rich culture and world-class culinary scene to our breathtaking landscapes, tourism allows us to share the best of Prince Edward Island with the world!
2025 Outlook – Early Trends and Insights
As we head into the 2025 season, the mood across the industry is optimistic. Early indicators from operators suggest strong bookings, especially from Canadian travelers. Domestic tourism is expected to remain a key driver, boosted by a surge in Canadian pride and a continued desire to explore close to home and to support local..
While we’ve seen some early cancellations from U.S. motorcoach tours—largely due to concerns about feeling unwelcome—there’s still strong interest from American visitors. The favourable exchange rate makes Canada an attractive and affordable option, and it’s up to us to show that the welcome mat is firmly out. It’s a chance to strengthen our hospitality and remind US tourists that, regardless of political tensions, Islanders remain the warm, welcoming hosts we’ve always been known to be.
The biggest unknowns for the season will be economic uncertainty, consumer confidence, and the potential for job losses. These could impact last-minute travel decisions and spending habits. We must work hard to keep PEI top-of-mind for visitors. Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas.
At the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, our focus remains steady:
- Investing in local and domestic markets
- Maintaining awareness in identified US Markets
- Building confidence through value and authentic experiences
- Welcoming American visitors with open hearts and open doors
Join the Celebration: National Tourism Week 2025
This week, all across Canada, we’re celebrating tourism operators and the incredible impact this industry has on our lives. Here’s how you can take part:
- Light Up Green – Show your support by lighting up your business in green or adding green to your social media branding.
- Get Social – Help spread the word by posting a photo or video highlighting how tourism supports your business or community. Use the National hashtag #TourismWeekCanada2025, as well as #TIAPEI, #PoweredByTourism, and tag @tiapei902.
- Thank a tourism operator or employee in your life for their great work promoting and powering our island.
Let’s showcase the industry that keeps PEI strong! Let’s keep PEI Powered by Tourism.
