P.E.I. sets new tourism record with 1.7M visitors in 2024

Prince Edward Island is celebrating after recording a big year for tourism, setting new annual records for visitation and economic impact on the island.

Prince Edward Island saw 1.7 million visitors in 2024, improving over pre-pandemic numbers and setting a new record for the province.

In a news release, the provincial government says direct visitor spending generated $520.7 million for the local economy. The total number of non-resident visitors was up six per cent from 2023 and up five per cent from 2019, which was the previous record-setting year.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize the importance of building a thriving, year-round tourism industry—one that supports businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our communities in every season,” said Corryn Clemence, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, in the news release. “Our new five-year strategy provides the strategic direction needed to align our initiatives, ensuring that we move forward together with a clear focus.”

Confederation Bridge traffic was up 11 per cent compared to 2019 and Port of Charlottetown cruise traffic spike 21 per cent compared to that year.

Tourism PEI’s English and French websites had 4.87 million visits, which was an increase of 136 per cent compared to 2019.

Last month the Charlottetown Airport Authority revealed that more than 410,000 passengers travelled through the P.E.I. airport.

The release says the P.E.I. tourism industry accounts for roughly six per cent of the province’s GDP and supports 8,900 full-time equivalent jobs annually.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.