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| CAPE BRETON AMONG BEST ISLANDS |
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A major travel publication has recognized something Nova Scotians already know -- Cape Breton Island is a world-class vacation destination.
Travel and Leisure magazine named Cape Breton the fourth best island to visit in the world, and the number one island to visit in continental United States and Canada. The ranking was released on Monday, July 10.
"We've known and loved the unique beauty of Cape Breton all our lives, and with this high-profile ranking, more people from around the world will be drawn to experience its charms," said Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Len Goucher. "It confirms that Nova Scotia is a top quality tourism destination that can compete with exotic locations around the world."
Cape Breton is the only Canadian island ranked in the top 10. It came before Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands, which ranked seventh and eighth respectively. It was topped only by Bali, Kuaui and Maui. Nearly a million subscribers will see the ranking in the magazine. Travel and Leisure's website, which directs people to www.novascotia.com for more information, will get about two million hits per month.
"We have the sea, natural landscapes, and a mix of cultures bringing their music and traditions to the tourism experience, that makes visitors feel at home in Cape Breton," said Destination Cape Breton president Gordon Hedding. "We can host a lot more visitors here and everyone will still enjoy the quiet, peaceful beauty of this island."
The magazine invited subscribers to help rank islands, cities, hotels, car-rental agencies, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines. The results are available on the website at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest . Spas were also ranked and the results will be published in October.
Nova Scotia's marketing strategy to draw tourists to Cape Breton and the entire province flows from its tourism plan which is developed by the joint industry-government Tourism Partnership Council. The plan is based on extensive research and designed to expand the tourism industry in Nova Scotia. It is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc .
Tourism is a $1.29-billion industry in Nova Scotia employing 33,000 people in urban and rural areas.
Media Contact: Adèle Poirier
Tourism, Culture and Heritage
902-424-4819 E-mail: poiriea@gov.ns.ca |
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