In regard to the CBC'c recent story about the tourism department is spending 75-thousand dollars to subsidize the flights of some Americans to P.E.I.
I can appreciate that the idea is to get those people here for the first time by making their flights affordable.
Do I think that it is a good idea in a rough tourism climate? Not a chance... but this is typical thinking from organizations like this...
Why not simply offer all visitors from specific target markets a rebate on their before tax money that they spend anywhere on PEI? They could apply by submitting receipts and be sent either a cash rebate equal to 10% or discount vouchers equal to 15% that would be honored on their next visit.
Not only does this encourage return visit and allow tourism to see where visitors actually spend their money, but could also create a few additional jobs for islanders to process the rebates. Quite a few of these jobs should be created after the highest tourist times thereby extending season for tourism-related employment.
John Getson Richmond, PE
maybe we can blame our canadian airlines that tourisiom is down,being from the island,but living in alberta it was cheaper to fly to he states for xmas than o book a trip home,Ithink west jet and air canada take advanatage of those who have to move away for work reason,prices are doubled and they call themselves a west jet family,it plain to see they make sure we cant afford to see our family,canadian or american who do they truly market to.Merry xmas pei see you in jan when west jet buisness slows.