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Criteria - Authentic PEI Experiences

General Definitions or descriptors of Experiential Tourism:

Experiential Tourism is fueled by a global movement by travelers toward experiential learning, and a move to an "experience economy".
Experiential Tourism products are once in a lifetime experiences whereby people create memories through direct hands on experience.
Provides and engages visitors in memorable authentic cultural experiences that are personal , engage the senses, and make connections on an emotional , spiritual, or intellectual level.

Criteria for Recognition / Listing as a "Authentic PEI Experiences" Experiential Tourism Product

HANDS -ON Activities

Descriptor - a desired outcome is to achieve a complete participatory experience that provides new knowledge and authentic experiences.

Example - "Play in Clay - Island Clay Memories". Look around the working studio and then prepare to pick out the piece you want to make. The full hands on experience is offered as visitors work to mold and shape their pottery creations under the guidance of local artisan Cindy Lentz.
Involves Local Authentic COMMUNITY EXPERTS

Descriptor - "Authentic Islanders" will enjoy sharing their expertise and the visitor will feel truly welcomed into a special place because they are experiencing art, nature, and our Island Culture. Additionally environmentally conscious travelers want local people who live in harmony with their environment.

Example - "Seaweed Secrets" - Local Marine Botonist Dr. Irene will join you to give you the full story of the many medicinal uses of and history of mosses here on PEI. Gilbert will take you to the cove, help you to identify and gather Irish Moss using original methods designed to protect the ecosystem of the sea. Once the gathering is done Goldy awaits back in the kitchen with a healthy lunch including a fresh piece of seaweed pie. All this on a stunning location in Point Prim.
Use all FIVE SENSES

Descriptor - Engaging all five senses during the experience will enhance and ingrain the experience for the visitor as they will remember these experiences as unique and identifiable with the Island Experience.

Example - "Lobster Fisherman for a Day"
Smell - the salt-water air
Sight - crisp blue water and red cliffs
Touch - the feel of pulling a live lobster right out of the trap
Sound - the sound of the seagulls circling the boat looking for lobsters
Taste - taste of fresh lobsters eaten on the fishing boat
Is UNIQUE TO PEI

Descriptor - Draws people in to the local nature, culture, history and cuisine, that is unique to PEI providing the visitor with the opportunity to experience something only "The Island" provides.

Example - "Fish Tales and Tall Ships"...1730's Fishing Crew Wanted: Join the crew and relive the life of a 1730's sedentary fishing worker. Build the spring installations, prepare the equipment, rig the boats, salt the catch, store it and send it to market. Required Skills: Listen to tall tales and obey the captain. Roll up your sleeves, ask all the questions you want, a good sense of humour is essential. The Master is always right, Share your "Eau de vie".

Remuneration: One pound of salt. Taste the fruits of your labour and enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the "crew". Get your name in the "History Book" and earn the right to tell your own tall tales.
Provides a PERSONAL, UNIQUE AND INTIMATE experience for each visitor

Descriptor - provides diverse experiences that match the visitors interests and provide a sense of personal accomplishment, thereby creating their own unique memories.

Example - "Watercolors Vibrant and Fresh" - An opportunity for visitors to not only learn from a true recognized local expert but also sit with Julia as she shares, her skills, stories and knowledge, then join her for lunch as you finish your unique piece of art work created with your new found talents.

* "Workshops" and "Presentations", one way information transfers are not eligible. Packages listed as "Authentic PEI Experiences" must meet all of the criteria listed: