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“Our Government understands the value that organizations like Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island bring to our local economies,” said Minister Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie). “These groups attract delegates and their families to our region which helps to sustain the local economy and promotes long-term prosperity.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested a total of $400,000 to support Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island in attracting groups and organizations to host meetings and conventions in the region. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Tourism and Culture, has invested a total of $572,000 in this initiative. These investments are spread over two years and began in the spring of 2012.

“The work of Meetings and Conventions PEI is essential to the growth and sustainability of the conventions sector from one end of Prince Edward Island to the other,” said Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson. “The group’s extensive knowledge and expertise is especially important now as we prepare to open the new convention centre on the Charlottetown waterfront in the summer of 2013.”

This investment will assist Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island to implement their 2012-2014 Strategic Business Plan which focuses on selling the province as a destination sell for meetings and conventions. The delegates who travel to Prince Edward Island to attend meetings and conventions assist in strengthening the tourism industry while expanding the tourism season.

“The Meetings & Conventions market has gained increased investment and recognition throughout the Maritimes and major Canadian centres as a significant contributor to local economies ($19 million in revenue to Prince Edward Island as of the 2009 TRC Study), said Mr. Michael Matthews, Executive Director, Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island. “Prince Edward Island’s natural advantages combined with excellent Island partners, attractions and the new Convention Centre position Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island to grow this market. These funds are an important investment in the long-term ability to increase conference numbers and delegates through an Island-wide approach to Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island’s sales and marketing initiatives. Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island is a newly formed organization under new leadership to create ‘A Thriving Island Wide Meetings & Conventions Destination.’ ”

Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island is focused on marketing the province as a meeting and convention destination worldwide. It markets the region as Canada’s premiere coastal meeting destination and provides support to meeting planners and other individuals who have the potential to bring meeting and convention business to Prince Edward Island.