Tourism Research

Tourism Research on Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is a celebrated tourism destination, drawing between 422,000 and 551,000 visitors annually, contributing between $575 million and $721 million in total economic output. Tourism spending supports approximately 6,800 to 8,500 jobs and generates $35 million to $43 million in tax revenue each year. The island’s tourism-related workforce represents up to 19% of Nova Scotia’s total tourism jobs, reflecting the sector’s significant role in regional prosperity. The industry supports over 740 tourism-related businesses, ranging from accommodations and restaurants to cultural experiences and recreational services.

World Tourism Institute: Advancing Tourism Research and Innovation

The World Tourism Institute (WTI) at Cape Breton University is committed to strengthening the tourism industry through customized training and collaborative initiatives highlighted by impactful research, and data-driven insights. As the driving force behind numerous tourism research projects, WTI has played a key role in enhancing our understanding of visitor experiences, market trends, and industry resilience on Cape Breton Island.

Since its inception in 2019, the WTI has overseen significant projects that address industry challenges and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. Key research initiatives have included in-depth analyses of visitor demographics and behaviors, assessments of cultural tourism engagement, and evaluations of the economic impacts of key attractions. Notable accomplishments include comprehensive visitor surveys at iconic sites such as Cape Smokey, Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, and the Cape Breton Miners Museum, as well as research into niche tourism markets, such as golf, music, and cruise travellers.