GEORGETOWN — If there is any doubt that “experiential tourism” is not a big time attraction on Prince Edward Island, just ask Perry Gotell.
Or better yet, ask his customers who heaped his Tranquility Cove Adventures win so much praise that the Georgetown entrepreneur earned the 2012 Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor.com
“Perry and his crew (Art and Lucas) made our deep-sea fishing trip an amazing (and relaxing!) adventure,” said a happy customer from Toronto.
“We learned how they caught lobsters, crabs and mussels and everyone got a chance to hold their catches. It was such a great hands on experience — especially for the young kids we have.”
Tranquility Cove Adventures began out of the port of Georgetown five years ago when the third generation lobster fisherman decided it was time to do something else after pulling in his trips at the end of July.
“People are always interested in learning about the experiences of others,’’ said Gotell. “So I just thought it would be great to offer such an opportunity.”
One year he had a young chef fly from Ontario just to be part of the opening day haul of lobsters on May 1. The seas were high and the weather was cold and windy but it was exactly what the customer wanted, said Gotell.
The company has earned so much praise it has a perfect score of excellence from a throng of customers who took the time to write a review on the internet site.
“At Tripadvisor, we recognize the power of traveler feedback and we’re proud to recognize Tranquility Cove Adventures for exceptional traveler rating over the past year,” said Christine Petersen representing the company. “The Certificate of Excellence recognizes businesses with consistently high ratings and with a rating of 5.0, Tranquility Cove Adventures has earned a place among the very best.”
Gotell was surprised and delighted by the 2012 honour as the company prepares for season six in 2013.
“It means a lot to us because we really want people to enjoy the experience we can offer,’’ he said.
The tour includes fishing for mackerel and lobster, diving for big clams off Brudenell Island, viewing wildlife and aquatic life around Panmure Island and cooking up what you catch on the beach.
Gotell says he focuses on providing what the customer wants.
“Captain Perry is one of those very special people who are born to make others feel welcome, shares his knowledge and experience wonderfully and possesses an ability to make everyone laugh and smile,’’ posted another happy customer..
Tranquility Cove was named Operator of the Year in 2011 by the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. The company also has a youtube video featuring its offerings.
Your are right Randall I have also said the same thing for years but the fishermen fight any talk of a recreational fishery of any kind because they have an unreal sense of self entitlement about the stocks . They seem to feel that they own the stocks because the bought a lobster licience . Similar to how they seem to feel about EI as well . The fishermen are also fighting the current bluefin tuna recreational fishery even though it is a better use of the stock and benifits the whole population by bringing in outside dollars not just a few guys buying the latest toy .