“Public and private sector collaboration is critical to Prince Edward Island’s competitiveness in tourism. By working with our Tourism Advisory Council, Tourism PEI continues to focus on results-driven, customer-focused initiatives. The new website puts this information at the fingertips of all of industry,” stated Minister Docherty.

David MacKenzie, Chair of the Tourism Advisory Council noted, “There are 40 industry stakeholders involved in TAC, but we are committed to keeping in touch with the industry at large and making the information of the council easily accessible. The launch of a dedicated TAC website will enable us to post research, product development and marketing information in the most timely fashion so operators can use this information in their own businesses as well as keeping abreast of what Tourism PEI and TAC are doing on their behalf.”

The Tourism Advisory Council of Prince Edward Island was formed in 2005 to provide strategic industry advice to the Minister of Tourism in the areas of tourism research, product development and tourism marketing. TAC is a unique partnership with commitment from industry and two levels of government, federal and provincial. This partnership has taken great strides in the last two years towards the ultimate goal of industry growth. 2007 tourism indicators, to the end of September, have shown an increase of 1.8% in occupancy rates over last year, and an even greater increase in some regions or accommodation types.

These monthly tourism indicators from Tourism PEI will be posted on the site as they become available, putting them in the hands of operators on a timeline that enables them to use the information to assist in their decision making. A link from the banner puts the indicators just a single click away from any page on the site.

The new TAC website is consistent with the Council’s emphasis on consumer-focussed planning and the development and practical implementation of the strategy – The New Product Culture, The Prince Edward Island Strategy for Tourism Competitiveness, 2005-2010.

Providing “one-stop shopping” for PEI-relevant tourism destination development initiatives, www.peitac.com not only answers questions about TAC and it’s activities, but also acts as a portal to various government programs, TIAPEI initiatives, federal programs and more. The case for investment in tourism just got stronger – check out the business case at www.peitac.com.