October 27, 2014 - Sydney, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
As the fall colours deepen and the 2014 tourism season draws to a close on what Travel and Leisure magazine calls “Continental North America’s #1 Island,” Destination Cape Breton Association’s (DCBA) work is just beginning. As the official destination marketing entity for Cape Breton Island, DCBA’s focus over the winter months will be on developing and fine-tuning its marketing strategies, as well as planning and implementing tourism product development and visitor service activities.
Given the significance of the tourism industry to the local economy, the Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is investing $125,000 in DCBA to help increase the profile and prominence of Cape Breton’s tourism sector and to ensure the industry is equipped to respond effectively to changing visitor expectations.
Quick Facts:
- According to Nova Scotia Tourism Statistics 2011, Cape Breton’s tourism industry has a $230M economic impact and creates 3,200 jobs annually.
- The contribution will allow DCBA to deliver programs that provide support for business planning, experience creation, product package development and marketing.
- These programs include customer service training; social media training; and, the development and use of a customer database.
- DCBA’s market readiness assessment identified opportunities for tourism product development such as the Locals Know initiative; Hidden Gems; and, the "Best of..." listings which will provide content for upcoming marketing activities.
- Golf Cape Breton, a major DCBA initiative, will spend the off-season carrying out industry research and promoting Cape Breton’s experiential tourism product to golf professionals and sports media.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support our region’s tourism industry through Destination Cape Breton Association’s various initiatives. Our funding will help Destination Cape Breton to showcase Cape Breton’s unique tourism experiences and encourage local operators to become more competitive in the global marketplace.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Destination Cape Breton Association is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism on Cape Breton Island. The value of our work is enhanced by the federal government’s shared vision for economic prosperity in our island’s growing tourism industry.”
- Mary Tulle, CEO, Destination Cape Breton Association
Associated Link:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
D.A. Landry
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-564-3617
Mary Tulle
CEO
Destination Cape Breton Association
902-563-4636
