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The term Experiential Tourism is based on developing experiences that allow visitors to use their senses and interact in a hands-on approach with the Island’s culture. These types of products and offerings can represent Prince Edward Island culture in art, nature and cuisine. It can be as simple as picking berries, making jam or learning how to “throw a pot” from a local craftsperson.

“Research has clearly indicated that travelers today are looking for creative activities connecting them to the location and its roots,” said Minister of Tourism PEI Valerie Docherty. “We are committed to the continued growth of the tourism industry and support initiatives that provide tourism operators with learning opportunities that can help to expand their business products and offerings.”

This non-traditional style workshop allows operators to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in a step-by-step process demonstrating how to turn a tourism product into an exclusive experience.

Celes Davar, Workshop Facilitator, has turned his life-long passion for education into small group experiences that are customized, experiential and offer unique learning encounters. Davar’s tourism business, “Earth Rhythms,” received the inaugural Travel Manitoba award of Distinction for leadership in tourism.

“Experiential Tourism is rapidly exploding around the globe and I am excited to host these workshops in the rural regions of PEI,” Davar said. “Research is showing that there is a solid return and visitors are looking for these types of experiences. The purpose of the workshops is to help Island tourism operators create new streams of revenue and increase the sustainability of the province’s tourism industry.”

Each workshop has a maximum of 20 participants and, presently, all four sessions being held across the province are at full capacity.