Cape Breton Named Best Island

A major travel publication has recognized Cape Breton Island as a world-class vacation destination.

Travel + Leisure magazine named Cape Breton the best island to visit in the continental United States and Canada in the 2008 World's Best Awards readers' survey. The ranking was released on Wednesday, July 9.

"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 Premier Rodney MacDonald. "It confirms that Nova Scotia is a top quality tourism destination that can compete with exotic locations around the world."

Cape Breton Island ranks tenth on the list of Top 10 islands overall in the world in this year's survey and is the only Canadian island ranked in the Top 10. In 2006, Cape Breton was second on the list of the Top 5 Islands in the continental United States and Canada.

"Having this recognition of what we have in our own backyard makes residents and visitors alike proud of our island heritage and opens the door to welcome more visitors to our shores," said Sandra MacDonald, general manager of the Destination Cape Breton Association.

The magazine invited subscribers to help rank islands, cities, hotels, car-rental agencies, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines. Readers rate islands based on natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people, and value.

The complete 2008 results, including the top 100 hotels worldwide, top 10 cities in the world, and top 10 islands in the world is posted on www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest and will be featured in Travel + Leisure's August issue, available on newsstands July 22nd.