The Impact of Year-Round Tourism on PEI: Why It Matters for Islanders
Winter often gets a bad rap as the gloomiest season of the year. Short days, long nights, and cold Canadian temperatures can certainly affect your mood. But on Prince Edward Island, winter is anything but gloomy!
With vibrant events like Winterval, Winterdine, Jack Frost Winterfest, and Winter Warmth Festival (just to name a few), the Island remains hot with activity- even in the coldest months.
Thanks to an ongoing investment in year-round tourism, Islanders enjoy countless benefits. Here are four key ways tourism impacts the lives of Islanders.
1. Islanders Get to Experience World-Class Events All Year Long
We all know PEI is the best place to be in the summer, but it’s pretty stellar in the “off-season” too.
Winter can feel long, but getting outside, being social, and staying active are key ways to beat the winter blues. Fortunately, PEI offers plenty of world-class events and experiences to help you do just that!
No matter what you’re into, PEI always has something spectacular on the go!
Food and Drink Lover? Islanders can indulge in food and drink experiences and festivals year-round, such as PEI Tasting Tours, Fall Flavours, and the PEI Festival of Wines. In the chilly months, the Island offers special events like Winterdine, Winter Warmth Festival and the PEI Beer Festival. How lucky are we to have access to hundreds of restaurants and drinking establishments year-round?
Got a Young Family? Jack Frost Winterfest and Winterval offer fun for the whole family! Islanders can also entertain the kids this winter with magical sleigh rides, seasonal markets, or riveting sporting events, like The Summerside Caps, Charlottetown Islanders or local youth sporting tournaments.
Adrenaline Junkie? Hit the slopes at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale, sign up for the Red Dirt Ride (PEI’s new ATV Fest), or grab a trail pass to explore the beautifully groomed Confederation Trail on your ATV or snowmobile.
Looking to Relax? Unwind at Mysa Nordic Spa, spend a weekend at the serene Treetop Haven, or join a wellness retreat like Nature Space Resort’s Embrace the Cold for a truly refreshing experience.
Want to be Entertained? PEI has a lively arts and music scene all year long. The Trailside, Harbourfront Theatre, The Guild, and The Confederation Centre of the Arts offer world-class live performances throughout the year. At the same time, smaller venues host dinner theatre and local artists for intimate shows.
Just Want to Enjoy the Outdoors? PEI is a paradise for outdoor lovers–and we’re not just talking about beaches. Our Island also has countless parks and offers miles of trails perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, fat biking, and cross-country skiing.
This is a pretty incredible list of offerings for a small island, and it wouldn’t be possible without PEI’s year-round tourism industry! These events and activities not only enhance life for Islanders but also play a vital role in attracting and retaining professionals like doctors and nurses to our community.
2. Tourism Supports Island Jobs Year-round
But tourism isn’t just about cool events and fun festivals—it’s also a vital part of PEI’s workforce.
Approximately 10% of Islanders are employed in the tourism industry, and year-round tourism initiatives provide steady employment through all seasons.
It’s not just hospitality staff, like restaurant and tourism workers, who benefit. Year-round tourism supports work in many other areas such as:
- Event and festival staff like marketers, A/V technicians, security personnel, and entertainers.
- Businesses that offer services like printing, photography, lighting and equipment rentals.
- Transportation services like taxis, shuttles, and rental car providers.
- Retailers, artisans, and wellness providers who cater to event-goers.
These jobs support families, help young people fund their education, and keep PEI’s local economy thriving.
3. Tourism Injects Fresh Dollars to PEI’s Economy
Since we’re on the topic of the economy, it’s important to note that tourism is a key driver of financial prosperity in PEI.
Without tourism, the Island’s economy would stagnate, with money circulating only between local individuals and businesses, limiting opportunities for financial growth.
Tourism breaks this cycle by bringing new dollars from visitors!
This influx benefits tourism-related businesses and creates a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. Local farmers supply ingredients to restaurants, artisans craft souvenirs for visitors, and countless other industries see a boost.
As disposable income rises, so does spending, creating a cycle where all Islanders benefit.
4. Tourism generates Provincial Tax Revenue
But tourism doesn’t just support businesses; it also supports the community services and the infrastructure we rely on.
Each year, tourism generates $84 million in provincial tax revenue– these tax dollars help fund essential services like:
- Health Care – funding hospitals, clinics, mental health programs, addiction services and doctor recruitment
- Education – funding teacher salaries, classroom resources, school lunch programs and childcare subsidies.
- Infrastructure – funding road building and maintenance, active transportation paths and green spaces
Beyond these essential services, provincial tax dollars created by tourism support libraries, theatres, sports programs, recreational facilities, senior programs, conservation efforts, and cultural centres.
These contributions enhance our quality of life, making PEI a better place to call home.
Year-Round Tourism: A Win for Islanders
There you have it, folks—four compelling reasons why tourism isn’t just about attracting visitors—it’s about building a better PEI for Islanders.
Year-round tourism brings world-class events to PEI, creates steady employment, drives local prosperity, and helps fund essential services. Its impact is felt in every part of Island life.
So, don’t let the winter weather get you down! Get out there and show your support for the tourism industry. Here’s how:
- Attend local festivals, concerts, and sporting events year-round
- Support Island restaurants, accommodations, and attractions (especially during the “off-season”).
- Volunteer at events and festivals in your community
- Be a loud and proud supporter of Tourism on Prince Edward Island!
Together, we can ensure that tourism continues to play a key role in making PEI an amazing place to live, work, and play! Learn more about how PEI is Powered by Tourism.