PEI

Visitors to P.E.I. likely to find more open this May long weekend

The president of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. says more tourism operators are open early this May long weekend.

Tourism industry will continue to look for more ways to 'jump-start' the tourism season

Island beaches are always a tourism draw, even on a warm day in May. (P.E.I. Department of Tourism)

The president of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. says more tourism operators are open early this May long weekend.

Robert Jourdain said he doesn't have any hard numbers, but he gives some credit to the May Run Music Festival which is proving a draw for visitors as well as Islanders.

There are restaurants that are opening up, there are cottage accommodations that I know that have opened early.— Robert Jourdain, Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.

He said there's a good cross-section of facilities ready to welcome visitors during the Victoria Day weekend and, based on conversations he's had, there seem to be a few more open earlier than in past years.

"There are restaurants that are opening up, there are cottage accommodations that I know that have opened early, things happening with different experiential packages, especially with the great weather we are having, golf courses are opened earlier this year," he said

"That is what causes the buzz."

He said P.E.I. has such a successful fall tourism season, there's no reason that couldn't be true for the spring as well.

He said the industry will be looking for more ways to "jump-start" the tourism season.

Many Island golf courses are open for the season. (Fox Meadows)