Victoria County Tourism Portal Page for Operators

1) September stats for tourism in Victoria County - Karen McNutt, research Analyst, NS. Tourism & Culture reports that camping was up 2% for the month of September in Victoria County - private campgrounds , from last year and the occupancy rate for accommodations in the County was 69.6 % in September, up 6% from 2001. There were 24,140 rooms sold in September.

Heather Dixon, Marketing & Promotions officer, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
states that visit days were up 11.6% for the month of September as well visitors at Ingonish Information centre 12.2%. Camping was down 9.4% and golf 4.4% at Highlands Links. Year to date - visit days up 9.4%, camping 3.5%, and golf 5.0%.

2) Canadian Tourism Commission recently made available the research document - " Role of the Internet in Vacation Travel of North Americans," summary of findings, Spring 2002. It is an excellent report with very practical information for a tourism operator with a web site. The report is 14 pages long in pdf file format. Click here for a copy of the report.

3) The October 2002 issue of Tourism, Canada's tourism monthly publication has a number of interesting articles this month. Some of them include - Developing a travel & tourism web site, the Internet and vacation travel, Small airports feel the pinch , Park issues addressed and Americans going green? You will need acrobat reader to open the pdf file in which the October issue is saved.

4) The popular Autumn Leaf watch program by NS Tourism & Culture continues for 2002. Weekly foliage reports on all the trails (highways) including the Cabot Trail can be found by clicking here. The leaves are peaking throughout Victoria County.

5) Celtic Colours International Festival - The six annual Celtic Colours festival was another great success. Thanks to the many volunteers, organizations and venues in Victoria County along with sponsors and organizers. click here.

6) Industry Canada has just announced assistance for Broadband for Rural and Northern Development. Victoria County communities and businesses are very interested in getting high speed internet to our County. Victoria County CAP Sites Association along with the Municipality of Victoria County are currently reviewing the details of the program guide and application. It is expected that an announcement will be made soon on the County's Plan. In the meantime, a web page on the Victoria County's web site has been designed to help you learn more about Broadband. Click here to find out more information on Broadband. Phase 1 of the application process is to apply for funding (50/50 cost shared) to assist in the development of a business plan. Phase 2 is if the application is approved, develop the business plan and phase 3 is to implement the business plan.

7 The theme for the 25th annual TIANS Conference, Nov 23-27, is "The Business of Tourism ... A Question of Balance". Sustainable Tourism sessions will be highlighted throughout the conference. What is Sustainable Tourism? It is a balance sustained over the long term that is viable and results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area in which it takes place. Sustainable tourism results can only be achieved when collaborative action occurs amongst heritage resource managers, tourism operators, the travelling public and community residents.

Updated October 22, 2002