Driving Atlantic Canada’s economy forward
News release
Cabot Links creating jobs and attracting more visitors to discover Cape Breton
June 1, 2018 – Inverness, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism infrastructure in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians. By investing in our tourism sector, we attract new visitors, grow businesses and create new ones, generating economic growth for the middle class.
That is why the Government of Canada is investing $2 million in Cabot Links, to help the Inverness-based golf resort expand operations at the adjacent Cabot Cliffs.
To celebrate Tourism Week, Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, made the announcement today.
The project is being funded through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses. The repayable contribution will help Cabot Links broaden its appeal for families, non-golfers and corporate groups, and improve the experience for golfers.
The Cabot Group will add spa facilities, high-end culinary services and tennis courts at Cabot Cliffs at Broad Cove. Nearly 300 people currently work at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses and the project will create an additional 50 full-time positions. The expansion will strengthen Cabot’s international reputation as a luxury golf destination, bringing more visitors to Cape Breton.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by supporting the tourism industry to attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which is working towards making Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Today’s announcement comes as Canada celebrates Tourism Week from May 27 to June 2, 2018.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is marketing Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination of choice. By building on their strengths - the experiences and products they offer - tourism operators are providing value to their guests who are increasingly looking for distinctive experiential opportunities while on vacation. Golfing at Cabot Cliffs is a unique and compelling draw for Canadian and international visitors alike.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for ACOA
“Tourism is an important economic driver. The Government of Canada is proud to support local businesses like Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, which have created a name for itself as a high-end tourism destination, attracting an international clientele and expanding its role as a catalyst for economic development in the region. We are proud to support tourism expansion projects that build on and diversify Cape Breton’s tourism industry. Atlantic Canada’s incredibly rich cultures, history and natural beauty are at the heart of many of the tourist attractions across the region, which our government recognizes as important contributors to our economy.”
- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
“Nova Scotia’s tourism industry had its best year in history in 2017 and its fourth consecutive year of growth. The celebrated golf courses at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs are part of a phenomenal performance for Cape Breton tourism operators drawing thousands of international visitors. We will continue to make smart, strategic investments to ensure Canada’s tourism industry is truly world-class.”
- Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton - Canso
“We are extremely grateful for ACOA’s support in this next phase of development at Cabot, which represents a major growth opportunity for our resort. Not only will this phase have a positive impact on our guests and their overall experience, but also, our surrounding community by way of creating more job opportunities in the area.”
- Ben Cowan-Dewar, Co-Owner, Cabot Links
Quick facts
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In 2016, Golf Digest rated Cabot Cliffs the No. 1 best new course globally. In January 2018, Cabot Cliffs was listed as No. 9 in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list and Cabot Links was ranked No. 43.
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More than 50 per cent of Cabot resort patrons come from the United States and other international locations.
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In 2017, Nova Scotia welcomed nearly 2.4 million visitors, which is an increase of nine per cent from 2016.
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Tourism in Atlantic Canada supports 9,600 businesses, employs 57,000 Atlantic Canadians and contributes nearly $5 billion annually the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications & Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca
Michelle Borthwick
Direct, Sales & Marketing
Cabot Links
Phone: 1-416-418-9006
Email: MBorthwick@cabotlinks.com