Tourism in Richmond County

July has been an incredible month for recognition and accolades for Cape Breton Island. This is great news for Destination Cape Breton Association and the island's tourism industry. Not only did the Bras d'Or Lake receive recognition by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Biosphere Reserve, but Cape Breton has received top grades by Travel + Leisure magazine, which names Cape Breton #1 Island Destination in Continental US and Canada; #3 in the World! This is the third time the island has received this special award, beating out Vancouver Island and Nantucket this year for the coveted spot. That makes it even more meaningful, as it is not just a flash in the pan, because the island has been able to maintain the requirements necessary to qualify for this award. Mary Tulle, CEO of DCBA, will travel to Los Angeles to accept the award. Also this month, Ms. Tulle and tourism representatives of Destination Cape Breton Association, attended an open house at DCBA’s new information kiosk located on the Halifax Waterfront. The open house offered guests a glimpse at the experiences that await them on the island, where every turn in the road leads to a new adventure. This is another first for Cape Breton as it is the first regional destination in Nova Scotia to have a presence on the Halifax Waterfront. DCBA, in partnership with Ambassatours, now has an information outlet which will give staff the capability of reaching thousands of visitors at the Halifax waterfront. It has been estimated as many as 58% of tourists to Nova Scotia go through the Halifax waterfront area. Members from DCBA were on hand to speak with members of the industry as well about their 2011 plans for attracting visitors to the island with the introduction of the Cape Breton themed motor coach fleets. The motor coaches will travel in Canada and along the entire Eastern seaboard showcasing Cape Breton on beautifully designed murals which are sure to draw lots of positive attention.

Visitors from Sydney, Australia paid our fair village of St. Peter’s a call this past week. The mother and daughter duo Shona and Siobhan Papalia were in St. Peter’s to meet Rosemary and Mac MacIsaac and pay a visit to MacIsaac Kiltmakers. Although this was the first time that the Papalias and the MacIsaacs had met face to face it was not the first time that the foursome had been in touch with each other. Rosemary MacIsaac, who is one of the best kiltmakers in Canada, has been making kilts for Siobhan since 2000 and corresponding with the Australian family over the internet. Siobhan, who starting dancing when she was twelve years of age and has risen through the ranks as an award winning highland dancer in her own country, was invited to perform at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax this year. They decided to make a stop over in Cape Breton and meet the MacIsaacs in person. The Halifax Tattoo was not Siobhan’s first experience with a performance of this caliber. She has performed numerious events in Australia as well as two other tattoos in Edinburg. Siobhan confided to me that the tattoo was not her only incentive for making her first trip to Canada. It was also her wish that she meet with Rosemary and together come up with a specially designed tartan for a new kilt she planned to order during her time here. This kilt will be worn by Siobhan at the Champion of Champions Competition which will be held in Hobart Tasmania in April of 2012. The competition, which is a major event for dancers, will have 400 competitors for the coveted recognition as thee best in their division over all. The trip to Canada for the Australia duo was a mix of business and pleasure as they wanted to see as much of the attractions and scenery as possible before heading back home. Siobhan assured me that when she receives the brand new creation by Rosemary that she will send us a photo.

St. Peter’s is where the visitors will definitely want to be on July 21st. It is going to be hard to choose what event to take in: Cape Breton’s best guitar player, JP Cormier will take to the stage with the very talented Elliot Brothers at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall starting at 8pm. Also on July 21st the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn Ceilidh will take place from 7-9pm featuring Richmond’s own Leona Burkey-Smith, McKayla MacNeil and the Island Steppers. The Ceilidh will be followed by the Kitchen Racket until 11pm. And the concert by the Sea will take place at the St. Peter’s Bandshell starting at 6:30pm. What an evening of jam packed entertainment. Come, listen and experience our music.