P.E.I. visitor numbers in July 'stronger' than last year's, says tourism association

July was busier for tourism this year compared to the same month in 2024, says the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, with things only expected to get busier next month.

While official numbers haven't been made public yet, association CEO Corryn Clemence said she's heard nothing but positives from tourism operators across the Island.

Clemence said the province's accommodations and food and beverage sectors have seen a spike in business this summer.

"A lot of accommodation providers I've talked to have said that they've been really busy, and some of those... empty rooms are getting filled last minute, which is great," she said.

"We've talked to a lot of restaurant operators who are saying that they've seen record sales days one over the other.... We haven't heard that in the last few years."

Clemence said that there are a few factors heading into August that could make things even busier for the tourism sector.

"August long weekend is traditionally a busy time, we're actually following right on that Quebec holiday week that they get, so it's a busy time of year," she said.

"With the announcement, of course, with the lowering of the bridge fares and the ferry, we're optimistic we'll see some extra traffic from that too."

The association hopes the reduction in tolls might incentive repeat travel from residents of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

"They represent 60 per cent of our visitation, traditionally," Clemence said. "It's a little extra incentive, maybe, to come across that second, third or fourth trip over."

Canadian staying close to home

Clemence said last year saw a record number of American visitors, while operators are noticing more Canadians vacationing within the country this season. 

"We've heard from a lot of our operators that we're still getting that American visitation… so we're happy to see that they're still coming and we want them to feel welcome while they're here," she said.

"But... that 'love Canada' kind of mentality this year, we're seeing that pick up."

The recent spell of warm weather, along with free visitation to Canada's national parks and historic sites, likely played a role in boosting the numbers, too. 

"We've seen how busy the park's beaches have been… so I think, you know, good weather, beautiful beaches — we have kind of a great recipie for success."

Clemence said P.E.I. is one of the few Canadian provinces that are back to pre-pandemic visitation numbers, and the goal is to keep that going into the off-season.

"We're hoping to kind of keep that momentum straight into the end of fall."