The second annual tourism business-to-business marketplace takes place Wednesday, March 6 in conjunction with the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. Tourism Conference.
The event is the result of a collaboration between the TIAPEI, Meetings and Conventions P.E.I., the Tourism Advisory Council of P.E.I. and all six regional tourism associations North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership, Tourism Summerside, Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, Cavendish Beaches & The Dune Shores Tourism Association, Discover Charlottetown and Points East Coastal Drive.
TIAPEI executive director Don Cudmore says the partners saw a need for a forum for operators to meet with one another and discuss partnerships in a structured, efficient format.
“Building on the success of the inaugural event last year, the committee of industry partners are ramping up for another great marketplace,” said Cudmore.
“This event will take place just prior to our Annual Tourism Conference and is a great opportunity to reach out to some non-traditional partners and develop new offerings for our visitors.”
The event is structured with buyers, defined as accommodations, tour operators and packagers, in booths in a marketplace format. Sellers range from attractions, activities and entertainers to artisans, culinary providers and more, who will get pre-scheduled appointments at the request of the buyers. Each appointment is 10 minutes and is intended to enable a focussed and productive conversation about the potential to work together on new packages or promotions.
The event aims to attract businesses from a variety of sectors, regions and business interests reaching out to include such businesses as culture and retail, entertainment and business service providers. All with the objective of achieving outcomes that are fresh and creative.
Since the event also encourages participants to consider package offerings for the meetings and conventions, cruise and travel trade markets, as well as the leisure market, they expect some unique and exciting offerings.
“If this year’s marketplace is anything like last years, it will not disappoint," said Captain Mark Jenkins of Top Notch Lobster Tours.
‘We made more contact with potential package partners here than we did for all of the last two years put together. We definitely made some great connections. It's a must for tourism operators.”
The marketplace is open to all interested businesses. The registration deadline is Feb. 14, however space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses should visit the website to learn more: www.tourismmarketplacepei.ca.
