“This research will provide a blueprint for Festival and Events PEI as we move forward to enhance Island festival and events and membership supports,” said Croken.

“Surveys were conducted during the 2008 season and provide some very relevant information for the sector and the organization,” according to Dr. Paul Lewis, Director of Research, at Tourism Research Centre of UPEI. Lewis said the research found that, “Overall nearly 70 percent of visitors indicated that the festival they attended had an impact on their decision to extend their vacation and/or return to PEI.”

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Valerie E. Docherty said, “This research commissioned by Festival and Events PEI, supports Tourism PEI’s investment in Island festivals. Tourism is an economic generator and the research shows that the average spend for festival visitors from off-Island was $175.87 versus $31.38 for residents. Visitors attending festivals represent a significant injection of money into the Island economy - monies the province can then spend on health care, education and infrastructure."

”We are very pleased with the results of the surveys,” said Croken. “They validate the importance of festivals and events to the tourism industry.”

As a result of the survey findings the association has re-vamped its website to better serve visitors and members. Islanders and visitors can visit the new website at www.festivalspei.com. To access the survey and to find information on all festivals and events happening this summer on PEI.

Festivals and Events PEI is a non-profit association of festivals, events and suppliers whose mandate is to increase the quality of festival experiences offered to visitors and provide professional development support to organizers in the festivals and event sector on PEI.

For more information please contact:

Janice Holmes

Treasurer

Festival and Events PEI

(902) 439-5139

www.festivalspei.com