CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The former communications and brand manager for Port Charlottetown is sailing into a new chapter of her life.
Corryn Clemence, who was also in charge of cruise development as well as Founders’ Food Hall and Market, takes over as the new chief executive officer of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. (TIAPEI) today.
Clemence replaces Kevin Mouflier who held the role for the past four years.
Clemence is very cognizant about the challenge that lies ahead. The coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic put everything in the province on pause in mid-March, turning the 2020 tourism season into one not of record-breaking numbers, but of survival.
“I’ve never backed away from a challenge," Clemence is quick to say.
“The reality is, it’s the same (challenge) everywhere right now. Every sector has been hit and tourism impacts a lot of sectors. There is nowhere to go but up."
When Clemence started at Port Charlottetown a decade ago, the port was hosting between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers every year. Last year, it hit an all-time high of 128,000 passengers.
However, the pandemic means there won’t be any cruise ship visits this year.
Clemence does expect the cruise industry to bounce back but says it may take a year or two before ships return at full capacity.
At a glance
A few facts about Corryn Clemence:
- Has been a long-standing board member with TIAPEI
- Has spent the past 18 years in the tourism industry
- Has worked with Tourism Charlottetown, Holland College and the Charlottetown Harbour Authority (now known as Port Charlottetown)
- Has spent the past 10 years with Port Charlottetown, focused on growing the cruise ship sector
With Phase 4 getting underway June 26, Clemence says the tourism industry is hoping to salvage a fraction of the tourism season.
Since the Confederation Bridge opened in 1997, the number of visitors to the province has consistently been north of one million.
“There is no estimate for this year. There are so many unknowns and there is no playbook for any of this," she said.
"I hear there is some positive talk about reopening an Atlantic Canada bubble. We know we’re a beautiful summer destination. If there is an opportunity to have that bubble there, it is still the opportunity to salvage the season for some."
There will also be more focus on the local market as more Islanders are expected to vacation in the province.
“I think this is going to be a unique opportunity for us to educate our local communities and our province as a whole on the importance of tourism ... to showcase our Island."
The question remains, what will there be for Islanders to do if they stay home and vacation.
Clemence said regional tourism associations are working overtime to get the message out to Islanders as to what businesses will be open.
“It won’t be the summer that anybody ever planned for but I think, from an Islander standpoint, it could be the summer that they are so grateful for because they may find so many things they may not have before."
