A five-year Destination Development Strategy prepared for Prince Edward County offers 27 recommendations to create a balanced tourism industry but many councillors feel it doesn’t provide enough consideration for residents.
Director of Community Services, Programs & Initiatives Todd Davis and consultant Jillian Dickens, Bannikin Travel & Tourism presented the plan to Committee of the Whole on Thursday.
Their strategy focuses on five categories including reducing over-tourism by developing off-the-beaten-path hubs and off-peak attractions.
But several councillors including Andreas Bolik wondered how the strategy would really benefit residents.
“One of the few respites that our people look forward to is that, at least after Labour Day, we have our County back. If we now extend this back into October and November, it’s gonna make it worse, not better for people. So kudos to developing a plan but I’m afraid we may be going in the wrong direction.”
One category councillors appeared generally in favour of is supporting regenerative tourism.
Director of Community Services, Programs & Initiatives Todd Davis.
“Tourism that improves the environment and the community promotes new mindsets in travellers and operators, creating new definitions of success and produces lasting improvements for both people and the planet. I think really, sort of, highlights that climate emergency that we’ve declared while also acknowledging some of the challenges that we’ve had in the last number of years in the community.”
Council received the report and did not take any further action.
Read the report in its entirety here.
