View of Richmond

Destination Cape Breton Association attended a major marketing event this past weekend. Exhibition Park in Halifax was the spot to be on April 29, 30th and May 1st to find out the new hot spots to visit this season. Charlene Marshall, Gary Yorke and myself were on hand to promote Richmond and inform visitors on what was in our area including the new and improved outdoor events and experiences. This is the 7th year that Richmond has taken part in the Saltscapes Travel Expo, as part of the Destination Cape Breton Association contingent. The show had approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstrations, offering the opportunity to gain awareness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer. The Expo highlighted everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what was new with cottage and garden and healthy living. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market, as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces. Richmond County drew a lot of interest at the show, with visitors stopping to ask questions about the area as well as to talk to representatives from Richmond's new outdoor experiences the Lighthouse Tour and from Rock Loaf Farm where visitors can take part in activities on a working sheep farm. Tourism operators and local business showed their support for the tourism industry by donating some very nice give-aways which were used at the travel show. The Dundee Resort and Golf Club donated a Play and Stay Certificate for two lucky winners, with vacation getaways also being provided by the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn and the A. MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter's and the L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat, and a gift certificate from Louie's Family Restaurant in St. Peter's. Foodland Grocery's donation of Oat Cakes were a hit again this year with visitors coming to our booth, with many agreeing they were the best they ever ate. Richmond County provided a participation certificate for the winner's choice of one of the exciting outdoor events. Under the leadership of CEO Mary Tulle, DCBA's layout at the show was impressive; with great entertainers, lots of presenters and visuals which made a spectacular impact. The weekend went very well, which we can only hope will generate more visitors.