View of Richmond

Christmas is over and we now look towards to 2012 and a year full of possibilities for the tourism season. Destination Cape Breton has been busy meeting with tourism operators and businesses to get their input in what they would like to see happen in the year ahead. The Association is carefully charting its course of action as to what direction it will take to market the island to its full potential as a travel destination to meet with the visitor’s expectations. It is clear from all the information that has been gathered that visitors will be looking for a destination that can meet their needs in areas of experiential tourism. It is imperative that the products that the island is offering as its signature experiences will accomplish the desired effect and keep visitors in the area longer, providing a favorable memory that visitors will relay to others. In countries which have worked to refine their signature experiences, to meet and exceed the visitors expectations their tourism market has shown an increase. With the wealth of natural beauty and culture that Cape Breton has to offer, it is reasonable to expect that the island can accomplish this as well.
With the New Year just hours away, there will be lots of celebrating taking place throughout the county as everyone welcomes in the new year, with events scheduled for December 31st. A New Year’s Dance will take place at the St. Peter`s Lions Hall in St. Peters, running from 10pm until 2am. There will be a hot and cold Buffet, and dance to the music of Barrett’s Privateers. For tickets contact Margaret Morrison at 535-3030, Ext. 222, Shirley MacKay at 587-2078, Treka Burke at 587-2991 or 535-3472. Mary Beth Buchanan at 535-2203 or 535-3379 or Michell Carter at 535-3201 or Paula Sampson at 587-2910. There will also be a New Year’s Dance at the West Bay Road Fire Hall from 10pm until 2am, with recorded music and finger food. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 will host a New Year’s Dance from 9pm until 1am with a buffet served up by Chef Jim George and music by Celtic Country, tickets are available at RCL Branch 43. There will also be a New Year’s celebration held at the Framboise Community Centre from 9pm until 2am, lunch provided, and music by DJ. For tickets contact Sarah at 884-2025.