Bookings look strong for P.E.I.'s 2022 tourism season

There's a feeling of optimism among tourism operators on P.E.I. as many are seeing a jump in bookings for the upcoming season.

Corryn Clemence,CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., said calls and emails have really picked upsince the announcement of the government's plan to ease out ofCOVID-19 restrictions.

"Bookings are stronger than they've been in years.We're hearing a lot of optimism for a really strong season," Clemence said.

She said she's heard from some accommodations that are already fully bookedfor the summer season.

"This potentially could be one of the strongest years we've seen in a long time."

Seeing new customers

Sandi Lowtherowns Fairways Cottages in Cavendishand has been involved with various provincial and local tourism organizations for decades.

She said bookings are significantly up for them.

"We're excited, we're optimistic," Lowther said.

Lowther said they are getting large golf groups, many who would typically go to the States but are now looking for Canadian destinations.

We just started getting a lot of phone calls and emails. Sheila Arsenault, Treetop Haven

Reservationnumbers are up 12 per cent from 2019.

She said if the borders stay open and isolation requirements are gone she expects a strong May through to October.

"We're seeing a significant increase in large golf groups coming from Quebec, Ontario and west," she said.

"Most of them are long haul, long-term stays."

Lowther said people are transitioning to thinking about living with COVID-19, and want to travel.

"The demand is there," she said.

'It's great'

Sheila Arsenault owns Treetop Haven in Mount Tryon, which gives people the opportunity to stay inside domeselevated inthe treetops, as well as cabins.

Arsenault said she is seeing a lot more out-of-province bookings in the last couple of weeks.

"We just started getting a lot of phone calls and emails and the bookings for July, we're almost fully booked, and August is getting close too," she said.

'It's great, it's really great."

She said travel restrictions and limits on who you can be with have led to numerous cancellations over the last couple of years.

She said she had customers try for two years, but the timing never worked out.

Shortage of workers a concern

TIAPEI said many tourism attractions and accommodationshave struggledto keep workers in P.E.I. and across Canada.

Hopefully we're hitting the 2019 numbers and we're rebounding quicker than anticipated. Corryn Clemence, TIAPEI

"We're hoping to see people at our job fairs," said Clemence.

At Fairways cottages, Lowther is looking for cottage attendants, cleaners as well as office staff.

"The biggest concern as an industry, is our labour issues, that we're going to be able to service the demand," she said.

Hoping for no border restrictions

Clemence said P.E.I. is viewed as a safe destination with many outdoor attractions and safety protocols.

She said it will feel good to welcome people back without restrictions at the provincial border.

P.E.I. has been more cautious than some other provinces, with strict testing and at some points, self-isolation periods for people who travel to the Island from other provinces. Currently, travellers need to test twice and isolate for four days whenarriving to P.E.I. That restriction is due to be lifted this week, but testing requirements will remain.

The final easing stage of provincial restrictions is currentlyset for April 7 and is expected to include an end to many public health measures, such as the P.E.I. Vax Pass, mandatory masking, gathering limits and testing at points of entry.

"Hopefully we're hitting the 2019 numbers and we're rebounding quicker than anticipated," Clemence said.