Statement made on 29 June 2010 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, this is the time of year when many Canadians look forward to enjoying the summer months, taking holidays and taking part in more leisure activities. It is also a time of the year when many tourism businesses prepare for another season.
This is certainly true in Prince Edward Island. Every year, the province attracts more than a million visitors from around the world. They come to enjoy our peaceful, pastoral environment; our beaches; our rich culture and heritage; and the warm hospitality of our people. That is why I am pleased to note the government of Prince Edward Island has designated June as Tourism Month in the province. This designation recognizes the tremendous importance of tourism to our economy and to the quality of life of Islanders.
The Prince Edward Island tourism industry represents 7 per cent of the province's gross domestic product and employs more than 7,500 people. As one of the province's leading industries, tourism benefits all Islanders through the jobs and other economic spin-offs it creates. It makes a major contribution to the services and amenities enjoyed by both Islanders and visitors.
Perhaps as important, tourism provides to the rest of the world a showcase for the people, places and products of Prince Edward Island. Visitors learn more about their country and one another. International visitors experience the richness of Canada's quality of life and its robust standard of living. Travel and tourism enrich and enhance all our lives and contribute to greater goodwill and understanding towards one another.
I extend an invitation to everyone to come and visit Prince Edward Island this summer. Please join with me in wishing Prince Edward Island and all Canadian tourism operators a successful and satisfying 2010 tourism season.