Eskasoni Cultural Journeys
July 28, 2011
Cape Breton Island was recently voted one of the world’s best islands to visit in Travel and Leisure Magazine’s 2011 World’s Best Awards.
It was ranked the number one island destination in Canada and continental United States, and number three on the list of Top Ten Islands Overall. Readers of the travel publication voted Cape Breton ahead of such popular destinations as the Great Barrier Reef Islands and Sicily.
“We are delighted that Cape Breton Island has been voted the number one island destination in continental United States and Canada by this very influential publication,” said Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton.
As part of Destination Cape Breton’s tourism plan, Eskasoni was draw on because of its strong cultural connection to initiated a tourism polite project which will officially begin this fall called “Eskasoni Cultural Journeys
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys has developed a unique multi-cultural tour of Mi’kmaq and Gaelic cultures in cooperation and collaboration with the Nova Scotia Highland Village located in Iona, only 15 minutes from Eskasoni. The tour includes two different and distinct cultures reflecting the parallels and common threads linking the cultures in history and present day.
Eskasoni’s Economic Development Office, Tracy Menge, who has been a part of this project from the beginning says, “Eskasoni will have a great opportunity to be part of the Destination Cape Breton package starting this fall. Eskasoni‘s economic tourism possibilities are endless and has the great opportunity to create future career paths for community members of Eskasoni.”
Menge added, “All the great possibilities by collaborating with Destination Cape Breton will result in skills development and capacity building for the community members, diversification of the fishery sector, a strong relationship with tourism partners in Cape Breton and potential new business for local community members.”
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys is currently looking for Mi’kmaq Elders for storytelling and looking for local musician and artisan for craft demonstration and sales. The Cultural Journey will provide four different packages for the tourist and the Cultural Journey website will provide greater details of the experience. The website can be seen at www.eskasoniculturaljourneys.ca.
Each year subscribers are asked to help rank islands, cities, hotels, car rental agencies, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines for the annual awards.
Travel and Leisure readers rated islands on five characteristics: natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people, and value.
This is the third time the island has been awarded the number one honour.
