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“This is only the beginning,” said Minister Docherty. “Even the smallest tourism operator in Prince Edward Island will be able to sell through this system and market their product. We are aiming to become the most connected tourism destination worldwide, and we are well under way.”

Studies show that travelers are increasingly using the Internet to book their vacation. “Today’s travelers not only do their research online, they also demand full service regarding all of their other travel needs,” said Sebastian Manago, Project Manager for the Integrated Tourism Solution. “Our visitors are planning vacations later in the year and they do not want their vacation planning to be work. A destination that does not offer full customer service will lose out to the competition.”

Considering the recent launch of the system and the strong demand for full customer service during this year’s Canada Games, the system will be free for all current Slumberland subscribers in 2009, the initial year of operation.

Starting in January 2010, a 10% commission will only apply to all bookings done through Tourism PEI properties. The commission will be used to build online marketing partnerships. Affiliated marketing programs, such as the one pioneered by Amazon.com will generate additional traffic and bookings.

The technology behind the new system is supplied by InternetWorks, an Island-owned and operated technology company. “We are very happy to be working with InternetWorks,” said Chris Jones, Director of Strategy, Evaluation and Industry Investment. “They are a local company and they have an in-depth knowledge of the PEI Tourism Industry through their work on the occupancy reporting system known as Slumberland.”

BookPEI not only offers increased services to PEI visitors, it also strengthens the partnership between Tourism PEI and the Tourism Industry on PEI.

Accommodations have been available for online booking since January this year. Over the course of the next several weeks and months, more direct booking capabilities will be added: theatres and events under 500 seats, golf tee-times, experiential packages, attractions and, in 2010, campgrounds.

For more information about the Integrated Tourism Solution, please contact Sebastian Manago at (902) 393-4532.