The Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council (NSTPC) is seeking volunteers interested in serving on Council starting in January 2010. The Council is a senior advisory group that provides strategic advice to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage with the view to influence and impact tourism programs in Nova Scotia. The Council is made up of 16 voting members - 14 industry leaders and 2 representatives from the department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, as well as non-voting ex-officio members. A Selection Committee will review all applications and recommend potential members to the Council and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Applicants should submit an application form outlining their qualifications and relevant experience, together with a covering letter to Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council, World Trade and Convention Center, 1800 Argyle Street, Suite 603, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3N8. Fax: (902) 424-0723 or by email to annaneb@gov.ns.ca by October 16, 2009. Application forms and additional information are available on line at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/nstpc.asp and by contacting the Coordinator, Ebenezer > Annan on telephone (902) 424-0048 or email annaneb@gov.ns.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July, 2008
Cape Breton Island Named #1 Best Island to visit in the Continental United States and Canada 2008
Number One Island WOW! Travel and Leisure magazine has named Cape Breton Island the #1 best island to visit in the continental United States and Canada, They have also named Cape Breton Island #10 Island in the World to visit. Considering there are hundreds of Islands in the world these are very prestigious awards. Cape Breton Island is not new to receiving recognition. In 2007 National Geographic Traveler Magazinealso named Cape Breton Island #10 Island in the World. Sandra MacDonald, General Manager of Destination Cape Breton Association says, “having recognition of what we have in our own backyard makes residents and visitors alike proud of our Island heritage and opens the door to welcome more visitors to our shores”. Ray Kavanaugh, Chair of Destination Cape Breton “said I am not surprised but very pleased and if we’re wise, ourselves and the Province should capitalize on the prestigious marketing opportunity.”
Cape Breton Island Has Rare Beauty
Aug 23, 1936Los Angeles Times
In Cape Breton Island, "down where the East begins," the visitor is enthralled by the unspoiled beauty that greets him everywhere rugged shorelines of sheer grandeur. Glens that match those of old Scotland. Valleys of remarkable beauty.
Cape Breton has uniqueness in that if offers travelers multiple experiences from cultural to musical to plain simple beauty but its true essence is in our people and the genuine values that we hold in that people are still important and hospitality should always be shown to all. For one of the smaller Islands in the world, we have an abundance of musical talent that can be in some part contributed to our beautiful Island and the people that reside here. Thousands of visitors land upon our shores each year and are always eager to return.
“I have been from the Arctic to Antarctica, Norway, Kodiak Alaska, California to Maine but when my wife and I took our 25thwedding anniversary to Cape Breton Island I felt something inside that I never felt before. I love the outdoors and nature and Cape Breton has everything. We plan on coming back and spending more time just getting to know the Island more. Thanks” Don Pennsylvania, USA For further information, please contact: Sandra MacDonald General Manager Destination Cape Breton Association Tel: 902-563-4636 caroline@dcba.ca www.cbisland.com
PREMIER'S OFFICE--Cape Breton Named Best Island ----------------------------------------------------------- A major travel publication has recognized Cape Breton Island as a world-class vacation destination. Travel + Leisure magazine named Cape Breton the best island to visit in the continental United States and Canada in the 2008 World's Best Awards readers' survey. The ranking was released on Wednesday, July 9. "We've known and loved the unique beauty of Cape Breton all our lives, and with this high-profile ranking, more people from around the world will be drawn to experience its charms," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "It confirms that Nova Scotia is a top quality tourism destination that can compete with exotic locations around the world." Cape Breton Island ranks tenth on the list of Top 10 islands overall in the world in this year's survey and is the only Canadian island ranked in the Top 10. In 2006, Cape Breton was second on the list of the Top 5 Islands in the continental United States and Canada. "Having this recognition of what we have in our own backyard makes residents and visitors alike proud of our island heritage and opens the door to welcome more visitors to our shores," said Sandra MacDonald, general manager of the Destination Cape Breton Association. The magazine invited subscribers to help rank islands, cities, hotels, car-rental agencies, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines. Readers rate islands based on natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value. The complete 2008 results, including the top 100 hotels worldwide, top 10 cities in the world, and top 10 islands in the world is posted on www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest and will be featured in Travel + Leisure's August issue, available on newsstands July 22nd. Sandra MacDonald Destination Cape Breton Association 902-563-4636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2008 Cape Breton Island Tourism Industry Begins Critical Planning Sydney, Nova Scotia --- Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) and its partners are pleased to announce that the important process of developing a five-year Cape Breton Island Tourism Marketing Strategy has commenced. “The Government of Canada is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Cape Breton,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Tourism is a major contributor to the Cape Breton economy and this strategy will identify the “next steps” required to grow the industry from a marketing perspective.” Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) is contributing $125,300 to the cost of the strategy through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. “The tourism industry is ready to take the planning steps required to move the tourism sector forward,” said DCBA Chair, Ray Kavanaugh. “Changing tourism trends necessitate a renewed and dedicated response to marketing Cape Breton Island. We look forward to the extensive consultation and research that will take place over the next six months.” With financial support from ECBC, the Province of Nova Scotia and the five municipal units on Cape Breton Island, the strategy will deal with a wide range of topics from packaging and e-commerce opportunities to governance of the tourism industry – all with a view to increasing tourism revenues through enhanced marketing. "We're pleased to provide $25,000 to help Destination Cape Breton develop a strategic marketing plan to promote this spectacular part of Nova Scotia," said Bill Dooks, Nova Scotia Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "This plan will help draw even more visitors to the iconic Cabot Trail, Celtic Colours, and many other tourism experiences on the Island." The contract to develop the Cape Breton Island Tourism Marketing Strategy has been awarded to Vibe Creative Group of Sydney. A management team comprised of industry representatives, tourism stakeholders and funding agencies from across the Island will provide guidance to Vibe Creative Group as the project proceeds. The Cape Breton Island Tourism Marketing Strategy will encompass all regions of the Island and will strive to deliver cooperative and collaborative marketing efforts for the industry. “The Cape Breton brand is already well known around the world through word of mouth. It’s very exciting to imagine what we can accomplish with an Island-wide strategy,” said Max MacDonald, Celtic Colours International Festival, Co-founder and Director. Cape Breton’s five municipal units are contributing a total of $25,500 to this initiative. Speaking on behalf of the municipal partners, Victoria County Warden Wayne Budge said, “We support the development of a Cape Breton Island marketing strategy and encourage the continued cooperation of municipal units, the provincial Department of Tourism, ECBC and industry leadership to promote the development and marketing of Cape Breton Island as a first class tourism destination.” DCBA is a not-for-profit organization and the Regional Tourism Industry Association for Cape Breton Island. Its mandate is to enhance quality of life on Cape Breton Island by maximizing tourism thereby contributing to the economic development of the region while preserving our distinctive culture, heritage, and environment. DCBA supports the operation of nine visitor information centres, provides training to front line staff, supports festivals and events in their development as well as works with industry operators and their partners to deliver programs.
Plans are nearly complete for this year’s Expo and member participation has increased.Destination Cape Breton will have the equivalent of 8 booths this year and our partners will focus on the entire Island, highlighting this year’s events and the reasons why people should visit.We are partnering with the Province of Nova Scotia in their pavilion for a much larger presence and will report on our success.If you are in the Halifax area, please drop by or if you would like to be a part of the event, just give us a call.
Fam Tour 2008
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. DCBA will visit communities around Cape Breton to help familiarize our visitor information staff with what’s available. Every year our visitor counselors converse with thousands of travelers while here on the island with the majority of questions being where should they stay and what should they see. The knowledge these fam tours provide is invaluable.
Anyone wishing to take part by displaying product and or services can do so by contacting:
DCBA1-902-563-4636
Congratulations!
Ann Marie York of St. Peter’s is now a Certified Travel Counsellor.Ann Marie undertook the TIANS program last year and received her certification after completing the requirements with flying colours.Destination Cape Breton Board of Directors and staff would like to send our congratulations for your initiative and a job well done!