Prince Edward Island unveiled a series of benches today inspired by Carley Fortune’s novel “This Summer Will Be Different” [1, 2].
The project aims to celebrate the popular novel while establishing a literary trail designed to promote tourism across the province [2]. By linking physical landmarks to a narrative work, the initiative encourages visitors to explore the island's landscapes through a literary lens.
Mel Burke of Black Cat Woodcraft designed and produced the benches [1]. The installation transforms the reading experience into a physical journey, allowing fans of the book to visit locations that mirror the atmosphere of the story.
The benches are strategically placed to guide tourists through various points of interest on the island [2]. This approach leverages the popularity of contemporary fiction to draw visitors to regional sites that may otherwise be overlooked.
Local officials and organizers said the trail will serve as a permanent fixture for the community and visitors alike [2]. The collaboration between a local craftsperson and the province highlights a push to integrate arts and culture into the local tourism infrastructure.
While the project focuses on a specific novel, it follows a broader trend of literary tourism where destinations capitalize on the settings of famous books to increase foot traffic and spending in local economies [2].
“A new series of benches creates a literary trail across the island to boost tourism.”
This initiative represents a strategic shift toward 'literary tourism,' where provinces use intellectual property and popular culture to drive economic growth. By creating a physical trail based on a fictional narrative, Prince Edward Island is diversifying its tourism appeal beyond traditional sightseeing to attract a specific demographic of readers and fans.
