As the tariff war heats up, Atlantic Canadian consumers and B2B buyers are looking for local alternatives to international suppliers. Elbows up!

On Prince Edward Island, tourism and business aren’t separate conversations—they’re two voices in perfect harmony. Here, the meeting ends, but the experience continues.

“It’s a strength we’ve leaned into deliberately,” says Susan Freeman, Executive Director at Meet PEI. “Our local business culture, our leisure experiences—they’re not afterthoughts. They’re part of the pitch.”

Each year, more than 20,000 business delegates arrive on the Island, generating over 40,000 room nights and more than $22.9 million in direct economic impact—nearly 87 per cent of which occurs outside peak tourism months. But the real value lies in what they find once they’re here.

“A lot of people come for the conference and end up staying longer just to explore,” says Freeman. “It’s often not just the keynote speaker that draws them—it’s the Island itself.”

That’s by design. Whether it’s a national firm hosting team-building sessions at a golf course or a Charlottetown conference dining out at a local brewery, PEI’s offerings are immersive, authentic—and fully integrated. Often, Island companies deliver several distinct touchpoints for a single event—lodging, venues, food, drink and entertainment—all sourced locally.

PEI is also one of the few destinations where a single community can deliver the full conference experience—walkable, waterfront and deeply connected to the region’s cultural core. That compactness is a competitive advantage, making it easier to create truly cohesive, curated guest experiences.

Delegates aren’t just meeting—they’re forging lasting memories. The Island’s rhythm, beauty and hospitality encourage people to stay, return, and share what they’ve discovered. Word of mouth is powerful. So is the experience.

Tourism PEI’s 2025 campaign—“Feel Lighter on Prince Edward Island”—builds on this synergy. It highlights five experience pillars: coastal, outdoor adventure, culinary, culture and golf.

“We’re focused on what truly sets us apart from other Atlantic provinces,” says Alison MacDougall, Tourism PEI’s Acting Director of Marketing. “Anne of Green Gables is an obvious highlight along with our beaches, culinary, festivals & events and incredible local artisans.”

Authentic PEI Experiences connect visitors with chefs, artisans and storytellers for immersive, small-group activities. “Our experiences offer visitors unique perspectives on the way of life on the Island from learning to make an Indigenous hand drum to giant bar clam digging to Spooning at the Shanty,” says MacDougall.

This dual appeal is reinforced through Meet PEI’s digital toolkit, including a comprehensive Delegate Guide and Meeting Planner Guide. Together, they promote a consistent message: “Meet in PEI, where business feels a little lighter.”

It’s a message echoed by Helen Kefalas, Manager of Meetings and Events at RBC Insurance after hosting RBC Insurance’s 2024 Partner Summit on PEI: “If you’re looking for a location that offers natural beauty, amazing views and amazing talent to partner with, PEI definitely stands out. Trust me—your guests will never want to leave.”

In PEI, proximity is an advantage. “Our size is one of our greatest assets,” says MacDougall. “You are never far from your next adventure.”
PEI understands that today’s conference-goer is tomorrow’s vacationer—or vice versa. Freeman calls it “a full-circle strategy.”

In a world of interchangeable destinations, PEI stands out—small, proud, and abundant in adventure and activity beyond the meeting room.