October 8th – 16th, 2010

www.celtic-colours.com

Celtic Colours generates millions of dollars for Cape Breton economy in 2009

(Sydney, NS) In a year that, by all accounts, wasn’t expected to make a strong showing in the tourism industry, Celtic Colours International Festival bucked the trend. The Festival’s unique combination of culture, heritage, history and scenery, bolstered by new investment and marketing initiatives, found new audiences and increased visitorship to the island, resulting in a $5.5 million economic impact on Cape Breton Island in 2009.

Dan Coffin, Marketing Manager, says this investment in new marketing initiatives enabled Celtic Colours to take advantage of new technology and social networking tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

“With all the attention that was being given to the economic downturn in 2009,” says Coffin, “we knew it was more important then ever to go further to reach our niche audience and provide them with the resources they need in order to make the decision to attend our festival.”

The impact of the festival goes well beyond visitor expenditures. Celtic Colours put over $100,000 back into community venues in 2009 and another $45,000 was realized by the groups who hosted more than 290 community cultural activities. One hundred twenty-six non-profit organizations throughout the island partnered with Celtic Colours to get directly involved in the festival. Richmond County jumped on board in 2009 with a wide range of activities in addition to their concerts. The result was that visitors stayed several days in the area and the hotel and restaurants were full.

Artistic Director Joella Foulds notes that while the new marketing initiatives implemented this year help to spread the word about the Festival, it is the quality of the event, and its unique setting, that has allowed it to maintain its strong reputation over the past thirteen years.

For a sampling of what the Festival had to offer in 2009, visit www.celtic-colours.com to see the newly launched 2009 highlight video. And stay tuned for information on Celtic Colours International Festival 2010, taking place October 8-16.