“2014 is the ideal year for the Island to play host to my fellow Ministers of Tourism and of Culture,” said Minister Henderson. “Not only will they have an opportunity to see some of what’s happening on the Island in 2014, but they’ll get to do so ahead of the 2017 celebrations that will mark Canada’s sesquicentennial. We’re very excited to play host and to show them everything Prince Edward Island has to offer as a one of Canada’s cultural capitals and as a world class tourism destination.”

Last year’s meeting of Ministers of Tourism took place in September in Whitehorse, Yukon and focused on building momentum in Canada’s globally competitive tourism industry. It covered a variety of topics including improving visitor access, marketing, and tourism attraction development. Ministers of Culture met in Iqaluit, Nunavut in August. That meeting looked at ways to encourage growth in cultural and heritage sectors and to increase community engagement.

“I look forward to meeting with my colleagues this year in beautiful Prince Edward Island to coordinate our efforts in support of Canadian culture,” said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover, co-chair for the meeting. “With its rich history, Prince Edward Island is a perfect backdrop as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in 2014 and look ahead to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.”

The 2014 meetings will take place at the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre.

“The new Convention Centre is an ideal location to host our 2014 meetings,” said Minister Henderson. “They will provide a great opportunity to show off our new facility and to show the other provinces how far Prince Edward Island has come as far as a convention destination.”