(Charlottetown, PE - March 10, 2008) - Tourism Charlottetown has been awarded the 2008 ACOA Tourism Atlantic Technology Award, acknowledging the agency's creative use of technology as a competitive advantage in tourism development and marketing.

The award was announced by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

"The Government of Canada continues to work cooperatively with tourism organizations to further strengthen this important industry," said Minister MacKay. "In cooperation with the four Atlantic tourism associations, ACOA has created the annual Tourism Atlantic Technology Award to recognize an operator in each province for their dedication to new technology that helps visitors explore our beautiful region and book their vacations online."

The award was presented by a representative from ACOA PEI & Tourism last week during the Awards and Recognition Gala for the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island.

Tourism Charlottetown works to promote the capital city area as a must-see travel destination. Understanding the need to accommodate the online vacation planner, this group recently launched a new website featuring a full experience of what Charlottetown has to offer. The site includes a Festivals and Events Calendar and an on-line packaging system which allows visitors to purchase specific event tickets in conjunction with their accommodations.

Tourism Charlottetown is now working to expand even further the packaging opportunities available on line. To explore the website, visit www.walkandseacharlottetown.com.

ACOA's Tourism Atlantic Technology Award was initiated in 2004 to highlight tourism-related operators in each of the Atlantic Provinces who exemplify creativity in using technology to create a competitive advantage. Award recipients become role models for further innovation within the industry.

The award criteria specifies that nominees must be members of their respective tourism industry associations; have been in business for a minimum of two years; have the ability to complete sales of tourism-related products and services on-line; have developed or invested in innovative technologies to enhance tourism in their operation or region; and are willing to participate in promoting their achievements to other operators in Atlantic Canada.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, continues to focus on a pan-Atlantic approach to strengthening the region's tourism industry through quality research, product development, and marketing.