(Charlottetown, PE September 7, 2007) —The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival to be held September 19-21, 2008, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2008 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates more than 25 years of the Top 100 Events.  What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

“The attractiveness of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honour gives Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associaties, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

“Simply put,” said Pantuso, “motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That’s why the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”

“Receiving this distinction a week prior to the festival seems very fitting,” says Liam Dolan, Chair of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival. “Final preparations are being put into place for the 12^th Annual Festival September 14-16, to entertain again this year, an expected, over 12,000 visitors, with an estimated 47.6% being from off-Island.”

ABA’s 2008 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

For a full schedule of events and to buy your tickets for the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Festival call 1-866-955-2003 or visit www.peishellfish.com. The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org.

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Media contact:

Tracey Singleton, Director of Marketing and Development

Tourism Charlottetown and The Prince Edward Island Convention Partnership

T: 902-566-2549 F: 902-393-8684 E: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it