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
I was aware of the GST rebate, which is a federal rebate. I was specifically proposing a rebate of provincial sales taxes paid. Hence the 10% cash rebate indicated - this would be revenue neutral. he other option proposed was a 15% credit voucher - costs to be shared between provincial government (10%) and contributing tourism organizations (5%)