P.E.I. holiday packages target late tourism season

The P.E.I. government and Island tourism operators have teamed up for a new campaign designed to boost late summer tourism.

New vacation packages have been developed which run from now until Sept. 5.

Tourism Minister Heath MacDonaldsaidthe province is seeing strong tourism numbers so far this year and wants that to continue.

Each year, he said, the government hears from industry members that late August and early September are typically slower times, so the government wants to work with industry to promote this time frame as a great opportunity to visit the province.

"When you're having a good season, you know it's easy to sit back and say this is a great season, lets ride the wave," said MacDonald."But I think it is very competitive out there,the tourism industryand we thought why not, let's give it anotherboost here and see if we can even extend our season and maybe increase our numbers in the fall season."

The government has worked with the Regional Tourism Associations from across the Island, along with the Hotel/Motel Association of PEI and the Inns of Distinction, to develop the new vacation packages.

They'll be promoted through Tourism PEI's e-newsletter, website and social media platforms.

In addition to this campaign, the department has recently increased marketing in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to promote P.E.I. as a premier vacation destination this fall with events such as the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival, P.E.I. Fall Flavours and the P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival.