Winter tourism marketing ‘starting to pay off’ at PEI

Some Charlottetown tourism operators had a big month in December. They say this shows that PEI is developing into a year-round tourist destination.

Discover Charlottetown has promoted Charlottetown as a winter destination for several years.

They worked with cities and businesses to create a Christmas look and promote events that would attract visitors.

“It’s starting to pay off. Our Victorian Christmas market brought 5,000 people into town that weekend and sold hundreds of hotel packages.”

Luke Thompson, guest services manager at the Holman Grand Hotel in Charlottetown, said December was the busiest on record and welcomed a new influx of tourists ahead of the Canada Games starting next month. He said he was looking forward to it.

“After a difficult year, it’s very promising and very motivating.”

Summer is still PEI’s biggest season for tourism.

Overall numbers for June and July last year set new records. PEI’s Tourism Industry Association said it could be the biggest year on record once the final figures are tallied.

CEO Corryn Clemence said it makes sense to invest more resources in promoting the PEI winter.

“It helps with jobs and keeps people employed all year round, which is great for the economy and we have beautiful destinations all year round.”

Brittany Miranda, a tourist from Toronto who visited PEI on vacation, agrees.

“It’s really nice to see the city dressed up for Christmas, it’s very charming. It’s a small town, but it’s very charming.”