tourism industry act regulations pei

• Operator Self-serve
• Visitor Link

Five-Year Tourism Strategy Prince Edward Island

A five-year strategy launched on April 19,2024.

Embrace the Seasons Tourism Vision

A Seasonal Expansion Strategy to grow tourism activity in Prince Edward Island from the November to April period.

Take a deep dive into the Tourism PEI organization - learn about our divisions and meet the team.

Tourism PEI is responsible for tourism marketing, program support, operations management and strategic investments in tourism product development for the province.

We're Here to Work With You

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start a new tourism business or a seasoned operator looking for opportunities to grow your business, we are here to point you in the right direction with the tools and resources you need to thrive.

Starting a Tourism Business

Are you considering starting a tourism operation or event on PEI? Let us help you with what you need to know to get started.

Growing Your Tourism Business

Do you currently own or run a tourism business on PEI? Learn how we can work together and what information is available to help inform your business decisions.

Operating Your Tourism Business

Find the information, tools and resources to assist with operating your business.

Marketing Your Tourism Business

Tourism PEI offers a number of free and paid marketing and advertising opportunities for operators. 

Tourism Indicator Dashboards

Use these dashboards to find statistics and insights on PEI’s key tourism indicators. Data includes paid occupancy, traffic from PEI’s main exit points as well as visitor volume and value estimates.

Find details on funding programs and supports for tourism operators and organizations.

Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island

PEI WILL BECOME THE NORTH AMERICAN HEALTH AND SAFETY CERTIFICATION LEADER…

The program’s ‘certification/seal of approval’ will be a readily identifiable ‘signature’ that confirms that the location that bears it is a worry-free destination for visitors.

THE SAFE HAVEN DESIGNATION GIVES ALL VISITORS THE ASSURANCE THEY NEED TO ENJOY THEIR EXPERIENCE.

TIAPEI and Tourism PEI have invested in EarthSafe, from EarthCheck. Australian-based EarthCheck is a leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism.

PEI’s extended version will utilize the EarthCheck online service platform and include even more rigour than the globally recognized standard program.

The ‘Made in PEI’ certified health and safety service incorporates:

• PEI legislative and health requirements;
• An online assessment;
• And standard operating procedures and hygiene action plans specific to Prince Edward Island tourism and hospitality.

The program’s certification/seal of approval is a readily identifiable signature that confirms that the location that bears it is a worry-free destination for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prince Edward Island aims to be the first province in Canada to have a provincial cleanliness and safety program for all tourism businesses. To become the best practice in this area, we need your participation.

Research shows that visitors are concerned about cleanliness and their safety. This is a factor when deciding a vacation destination.

General Questions

How much do i have to pay to enroll in the safe haven program.

• There is no cost to participate in the Safe Haven Program.
• Safe Haven is free.

What exactly is Safe Haven?

• Safe Haven is a Prince Edward Island health & safety certification that gives a visitor peace of mind that the operator has met rigorous health and safety standards to ensure their safety.
• It is a branded cleanliness and safety program that helps give visitors, Islanders, operators and staff peace of mind.
• The program lets the public know that we are doing to make sure PEI is a clean and safe destination.
• Safe Haven certified properties have had an onsite audit to ensure program standards are being met.

Do I have to participate in Safe Haven as part of any regulatory requirement?

• No. Safe Haven is a completely voluntary/optional program.

How long will the online component take?

• The online assessment work will vary between 1/12 to 3 hours, depending on your level of technology skill and the size of your nosiness and the number of services your business offers.
• If you need tech support to help you in the process, please email [email protected] .
• If it is technical work arounds and supporting you in your online assessment we will respond within 24 hours in case we are on the road.
• If it a backend fix that is required it may take 48 hours to correct.

Marketing Benefits

What marketing materials will i receive for becoming certified.

You will receive an access code to the members only page which will give you access to the following:

• Access to the logo to be used on your web site as well as  he brand guidelines.
• Access to social media messaging etc. for digital marketing.
• Access to various posters which can be used on your property (hand washing, disinfectant messaging etc.).
• You will benefit from on and off Island marketing promoting the Safe Haven Program.
• You will receive decals and print information to be displayed at your business.
•  Safe Haven will be profiled at Visitor Information Centres across PEI.
• New visitor research pertaining to health and cleanliness as it becomes available.

Is there someone that can help me with this program?

• Yes, we have a dedicated relationships manager who can help you with the program or answer any other questions not found in this FAQ.
• For help email  [email protected] .

What kind of tourism businesses can Safe Haven be applied to?

• Any type of tourism-related operation – all types of fixed roof accommodations, campgrounds, restaurants, golf courses, retail stores, PEI Authentic Experiences, festivals, attractions, museums etc.

What exactly do I have to do to acquire certification?

• There are two main steps to acquire certification. The first is to login to the online portion of the program and complete the self-assessment. The second will be an onsite audit to confirm the information in the self-assessment is accurate and that the tourism business meets the Safe Haven standard.

Tell me more about these two steps. What does the online portion look like?

• The self-assessment serves as a way for operators to confirm how their business meets the best practices/standards for cleanliness in their respective field. As well as helps an operator develop the various mandatory documents required to be submitted by an operator for the program.
• Services Offered – This is where an operator will select what services their business provides, e.g. accommodations, retail, attraction etc. Services selected here will populate the questions in the next step.
• Key Hygienic Areas of Services Offered – This is where the operator will answer YES/NO questions about their type of business /services offered as they pertain to the Safe Haven standard.
• Standard Operating Procedures – This section helps operators develop standard operating procedures for various health and hygiene categories.
• Policy & Compliance – This section helps operators develop a health and hygiene policy for their business as well as identify legislation they currently follow, such as the Tourism Industry Act and Regulations for accommodations and the Public Health Act for restaurants.
• Resources – Operators will utilize various resources, tools, and equipment that their staff must have access to in order to meet the standards listed previously, such as disinfectant, masks, and hand sanitizeretc.
• Training & Program Evaluation – This section identifies the training needs for staff, communication information for customers/guests, and program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement.
• Authorization – Sign off from owner/senior management.

And the audit?

• A Safe Haven auditor will work with you to schedule a day and time to meet to ensure the above standards are met.
• Once complete, you will be certified and be able to promote the Safe Haven brand on your property as well as in your online marketing.

You mentioned mandatory documents, what are they?

• Standard Operating Procedures for Hand Hygiene, Sanitation & Disinfection, Illness & Infection, as well as various emergency/pandemic measures.
• Health & Hygiene Policy
• Legislative Register, for example, stating the the Tourism Industry Act and Regulations for accommodations and the Public Health Act and Regulations for restaurants.

How do I sign up for the program?

• Simply click the “Start Certification Now” link on the previous page. You will also be directed to sign up if you click  here.

I signed up for the program, now what?

• You should have immediately received information via email explaining next steps and where to log in. If you haven’t, check junk mail folders or contact  [email protected]

Certification

How long does certification last.

• One year from the date of certification.

What will I need to do to renew certification?

• A program review of any changes that have occurred to the business in terms of policy and operation.
• An audit will be scheduled that will focus on changes made and ensuring that the Safe Haven standards are being maintained.

Online Portion of the Program – Self-Assessment

Where do i go to sign in.

• https://my.earthcheck.org/session/loginpei  – information on this would also have been sent in the automated email after sign up.

The services offered by my business are not listed in Step 1, what do I do?

• Please contact  [email protected]  – this program will be updated periodically and we want to ensure that all tourism-related services are included.

Why did the questions in Step 3 change from YES/NO to checkboxes?

• This section is to help an operator develop standard operating procedures.
• Clicking these checkboxes will add these into a word document.
• Clicking “Generate Document for Standard Operating Procedures” under the Program Tab will download a word document with all of the items from these checkboxes.
• You can then edit and fine tune the document if needed to better reflect your organization.

Can I upload my own Standard Operating Procedures and Policies or do I have to use the templates provided?

• You can upload your own. They will be cross referenced to make sure they meet the Safe Haven standard.

I’m having trouble attaching the mandatory documents, is there another way?

• Yes, you can email them to  [email protected]  – be sure to include what business you are part of.

I completed the online self-assessment but it won’t let me finalize it by hitting submit, why not?

• You must attain at least 90% or greater in each step, once this threshold is achieved you will be able to submit your self-assessment.

Audit Portion

I haven’t heard back after submitting my online assessment, what do i do.

• Once you complete and submit the online assessment component meeting the programs requirements then you will receive an email with a Notice of Consent document.
• This document provides a section where you list your audit date preferences.
• The majority of the time, this issue is caused because this document has not been sent in by the operator.
• We may reach out to you offering support if we see you are close to completing the online component and/or work with you to book an audit.

Differences

What are the differences between the safe haven program requirements and the regulatory requirements under the public health act’s food premise regulations.

The differences are as follows:

• Cleaning of floors daily
• Cleaning and disinfection of kitchen areas and equipment sanitized between meal preps and at least once a day
• Sanitizing of high touch surfaces every 4 hours
• Sanitizing areas include all high touch areas outside the kitchen for public and staff spaces
• The only paperwork needed for Food Premise Regulations is a sanitation plan and logging of dishwasher/sanitizer dispenser concentrations/temperatures.
• Standard Operating Procedures (7 of them)
• Health and Hygiene Policy
• Registration of all Legislation that applies to the business (e.g. Public Health Act, Liquor Control Act, Tourism Industry Act).
• Training Materials including complaint/follow up records
• MSDS sheets for chemicals
• Online self-assessment as well as yearly policy review of documents and procedures required for Safe Haven.
• Contactless payment options, laminated menus/or single use for Safe Haven.
• Hand sanitizer availability is required for customers under Safe Haven.
• Some other specific food safety best practices are directly mentioned in Safe Haven that are not mentioned in the Food Premise Regulations (washing fruits/vegetables, inspection of staff to ensure proper uniform, hair control, no jewelry, etc).

The differences between the Tourism Industry Act’s requirements for fixed roof accommodations and camping and Safe Haven’s requirements are very similar, focusing on disinfecting of high touch areas and procedures, policies and training around health and hygiene.

More Information

If you have any questions on the program or require more information, please contact the Relationship Manager at [email protected]

• Terms & Disclaimer
• Join or Renew Membership

Drawing more visitors to P.E.I. over the next 5 years? Tourism industry has a plan for that

As an island, 'you can never take your foot off the pedal when it comes to air access'.

Social Sharing

The tourism industry on Prince Edward Island has a new five-year strategy that includes developing more tourism initiatives involving the sports and leisure, culinary and wellness industries, as well as continuing to stretch the season well beyond the summer months.

The 28 points in the strategy include goals like lobbying for more air access to the Island, addressing "workforce challenges" as businesses compete for staff, drawing in more entrepreneurs and investors, and pushing for more "niche package experiences" during the fall, winter and spring seasons to draw visitors in non-traditional ways. 

Another important pillar of the strategy is making sure Indigenous tourism offerings are identified and promoted, said Corryn Clemence, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.

Events like the annual Mawi'omis presented by local First Nations are one example, she said.

• Young generation proud to showcase Mi'kmaw culture on P.E.I.
• Lennox Island begins new tradition with Christmas Mawi'omi

"We really want to put a focus on helping them and supporting [the] growth and development of that product because we know there's a big interest really across the world on experiencing and learning about Indigenous culture," she said. 

"We have a number of communities here on the Island, between Scotchfort/Abegweit and Lennox Island, and both are really working hard to develop and grow that."

Clemence said hopes are high for the province's recent deal with the National Hockey League, which includes declaring P.E.I. the league's official travel destination and promoting the Island at NHL arenas.

She said the province's meetings and conventions business should grow as a result of the deal, and marketers will use the hockey platform to promote sport-based tourism in the region, including golf.

• Tourism P.E.I. shoots and scores NHL marketing partnership
• Westjet's return brings direct flights between P.E.I. and 3 Canadian cities this summer

John Cudmore, who's the general manager of the Holman Grand Hotel as well as the president of the Hotel Association of P.E.I., said operators knew the Canada Games bump in the first quarter of 2023 was not going to be repeated this year, but the industry is still optimistic.

"Everyone's leaning into it, the whole tourism industry this year," he said. "There seems to be a good push towards special events and sports tours and golfing, that sort of thing."

He said the NHL deal will mean exposure in key Northestern U.S. markets and beyond.

The strategy also mentions the importance of people being able to travel to the Island by plane, not just in a vehicle or cruise ship. 

Clemence quotes the consultant who delivered the five-year strategy at an event on Friday as saying: "You're an island, and you can never take your foot off the pedal when it comes to air access."

Last year, the Charlottetown Airport welcomed a record number of passengers, and officials hope this year will top those records.

Doug Newson, the CEO of the Charlottetown Airport Authority, said adding seats will help accomplish that. 

"We did have one airline, Swoop, that has been merged into WestJet. WestJet is adding some flights to Toronto we didn't have last year to make up for that change in schedules. We've got Flair growing as well," he said.

"Overall we're expecting total seat capacity to be similar, maybe up slightly, compared to last year."

With files from Tony Davis

Related Stories

• Iceberg watchers are preparing for a big year for bergs
• P.E.I.'s first cruise ship of the year marks early start to Island tourism season
• Ottawa airport finances looking up after years of pandemic struggles
• Salt has been mined in Windsor for more than 130 years. Will climate change shift that?

This website uses cookies to various ends, as detailed in our Privacy Policy . You may accept all these cookies or choose only those categories of cookies that are acceptable to you.

Manage your cookies

Cookies are saved on your device to ensure proper operation and security of the website, help statistical analysis of its usage, improve its functionality, or record navigational choices you make. Further details can be found in the cookies section of CanLII's Privacy Policy.

A few cookies are strictly necessary to use CanLII and are always active. Cookies that are used to measure performance or improve functionality can be enabled using the buttons below.

An Act to Amend the Tourism Industry Act, SPEI 2018(1), c 34

• Regulations (0)
• Amending (1)
• Cited by 

Quality Tourism Services Inc.

QUALITY TOURISM SERVICES

Quality Tourism Services is a non-profit organization that acts as an agent of the Prince Edward Island government to conduct inspections of tourism establishments in accordance with the Tourism Industry Act and Regulations. QTS provides inspection services to all existing establishments and assists new or potential operators to become licensed. QTS also provides quality assurance programs to the accommodation and camping sectors of the tourism industry. QTS works with operators to ensure consumers’ expectations are met and Prince Edward Island maintains its reputation as a quality tourism destination.

INSPECTIONS

QTS provides inspection services to all existing tourism establishments, conducts necessary re-inspections, respond to complaints, and works with new or potential operators to become licensed.

QTS delivers rating and quality assurance programs to tourism operators including the Canada Select, Camping Select, Access Advisor, and Cyclist Welcome programs. Incentive programs are also offered.

” The Inspector took the time to answer all of our questions and offered suggestions for improvements and things to make our business run smoothly during peak season.”

STAY INFORMED

• My Establishments

New Accommodation License Application

Initial accommodation license application, register your tourism establishment business.

• All business, regardless of structure, must be registered with the Province of Prince Edward Island Business/Corporate Registry.
• To register your business with the Province, or look up a registered business, go to PEI Business / Corporate Registry.

Municipal Approval

• If your property is located within a municipality; you must obtain written municipal approval from your municipal office prior to applying for a Tourism Establishment License.
• If you are unsure if your property is located within a municipality, check the Municipal Boundaries Map | Government of Prince Edward Island Municipal Boundaries Map.
• Quality Tourism Services will inspect your property prior to being issued a license from the Province.
• Annual Inspections are required to maintain your license.
• Once you complete your application, Quality Tourism Services will be in contact to schedule an inspection.
• If your property is on a private well, your water is required to be tested prior to inspection and every three months afterward.
• Have your water test results ready to present to the inspector.
• If you are on municipal water, water testing is not required.

Owner (Operator)

• Owner (Operator) of the tourism establishment must be the person who applies for a license.
• If the property owner is an incorporated entity; the application for the tourism establishment license must be made a person who has the legal authority to sign on the entity’s behalf.
• Please see the Tourism Industry Act and tourism Industry Regulations to fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tourism establishment operator.
• Tourism Industry Act Regulations | Government of Prince Edward Island Tourism Industry Act Regulations.

Important Definitions for Operators to Know!

You are applying to become a tourism operator "Tourism Operator ” means the registered owner of a tourism establishment. "Tourism Standards Officer ” means a tourism standards officer appointed under subsection 1.4. This refers to our Quality Tourism Services Inspectors. "Tourism Compliance Officer ” means a tourism compliance officer appointed under subsection 1.5. This is in refers to our Provincial Compliance Officers. "Tourism establishment ” means an establishment that provides temporary accommodation for a guest for a continuous period of less than one month, and includes a building, structure or place in which accommodation or lodging, with or without food, is furnished for a price to travellers, such as a cabin, cottage, housekeeping unit, hotel, lodge, motel, inn, hostel, bed and breakfast establishment, resort, travel trailer, travel trailer park, recreational vehicle park, houseboat, camping cabin and campground.

Licensing Fees for Accommodations

New property inspection fee.

• Payable only for initial applications at the time of application submission
• Initial Application Fee is non-refundable

License Fees

• Payable upon successful completion of initial property inspection, and annually by March 31st upon license renewal
• 1 to 4 Units - $155
• 5 Units and Over  $250 + $6.50 per Unit
• 1 to 100 Sites -  $210
• 101 to 250 Sites - $300
• 251 to 500 Sites - $325
• 501 Sites and Over - $415
• Camping cabins pay base campground fee only; cabins counted as additional sites.

• Search and menus
• Site Search
• Departments
• Agriculture
• Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
• Education and Early Years
• Environment, Energy and Climate Action
• Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
• Health and Wellness
• Housing, Land and Communities
• Justice and Public Safety
• Social Development and Seniors
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population
• Legislation

Tourism PEI Act