The Tourism Industry Association of PEI (TIAPEI) is planning a day devoted to lobbying our government officials on tourism related issues. This will be based on established lobby days already being held by TIAC and other Canadian provinces, which see industry operators in teams of 2 – 3, participate in scheduled meetings with key Cabinet Ministers to discuss pre-determined issues that directly affect our industry. The main goal of the day will be to present to Government a clear, unified message of direction on the issues facing the tourism industry and the measures needed to sustain and grow.

Prior to the Lobby Day, an evening reception will be held for delegates, offering an opportunity for open discussion on the issues to be presented. Lobby day will see blocks of meeting times scheduled with key Cabinet Ministers and senior government staff followed by a dinner meeting with industry representatives and government members to summarize the day’s highlights and achievements.

Lobby days such as this have, in the past, successfully communicated the major concerns of the tourism industry directly to the key government officials who are in a position to affect change. Open dialogue is the key to change and we urge members to provide us with direction. What are the biggest concerns facing your business? What can be done to address these concerns? What initiatives would you like to see implemented that will move our industry forward? The range of issues that affects the tourism industry on PEI is almost as broad as the variety of operations in our industry, but there are some common themes that affect us all.

Please forward your ideas to TIAPEI by August 31, 2008 and indicate if you are interested in participating as a team delegate. Once the information has been compiled, meetings with Government will be scheduled. This is an opportunity to present a unified front and a clear message to the people in a position to affect change. Make your voice count!

Contact Dianne Bishop by phone at (902)566-5008 or by email at tiapei@tiapei.pe.ca