The fifth annual Tourism Atlantic Technology Award has been presented to Pat and Keith Notman, along with their daughter Penny MacLeod, for their on-going dedication to creating a user-friendly website for potential and return guests. The award was presented Wednesday evening during the Awards and Recognition Gala for the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI).

“The Government of Canada, through ACOA, recognizes the important role tourism plays in Atlantic Canada’s economy,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “It is important to acknowledge and support the creative and strategic use of the internet by tourism operators as they develop and market their tourism offering to a regional, national and international market places.”

Sandpiper Cottages and Suites opened in 1997 on the North Shore just outside of the PEI National Park in Stanhope. The Notmans have dedicated a great deal of time to their website which they develop and manage on their own with no outside help from a web development company.

Participating in programs like the Internet Marketing Awareness Workshop, and the TourismTechnology.com Mentoring Program offered through TIAPEI, the couple was able to take what they learned and significantly improved their website to increase their online marketing activities and presence. As part of the website upgrades, the Notmans have included an online booking system so visitors can book their accommodations while planning their PEI vacation.

“We know that our website is usually the first introduction to our property, so we’ve work hard to provide a good impression and a good product,” said Pat Notman. “Being acknowledged by TIAPEI tells us we are doing the right things; we are honoured to receive the recognition.”

In 2004, ACOA, along with four provincial Tourism Industry Associations, created the technology award to recognize a tourism operator in each Atlantic province for innovative and creative usage of technology to improve and complement the business’ tourism practices.

The criteria for the award specifies that recipients must be members of their respective provincial tourism industry associations; have incorporated technology initiatives that enhance their business practices; have successfully demonstrated the basic principle recognized by the award; and are willing to participate in promoting their achievements to other operators in Atlantic Canada.

The Government of Canada continues to support a pan- Atlantic approach to strengthening this traditional industry through sound research, product development, and marketing. The initiatives are designed to enhance and extend tourism-related efforts throughout the region.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

ACOA’s 2009 Tourism Atlantic Technology Award for PEI was presented Wednesday evening to Sandpiper Cottages and Suites. The award was presented in Charlottetown during the Awards and Recognition Gala for the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island.

Pat and Keith Notman, along with their daughter Penny MacLeod, were recognized for their leadership and creativity in using technology as a competitive advantage for their business. Their property is located on the North Shore just outside of the PEI National Park in Stanhope. Their business has a user-friendly website and features an on-line booking service which allows visitors to more effectively plan their PEI vacation.

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INFORMATION:

Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
Communications
902-368-0264

Don Cudmore
Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island
902-566-5008

Pat Notman
Sandpiper Cottages and Suites
902-672-2899
 www.sandpiperpei.com