Destination Cape Breton is waiting to hear back from the province about a pilot project that would see the Port Hastings Visitor Information Centre open and operational for the 2026 tourism season.
Destination Cape Breton CEO Terry Smith said the VIC, which closed earlier this year, is still getting people stopping by and looking for information. Smith said DCB put together a proposal to operate the VIC as a pilot project for 2026 while also learning from the experience so they can develop a sustainable approach to operate the facility going forward.
Port Hastings Visitor Information Centre (Ken Kingston photo)
Smith said they secured support from the five Cape Breton municipalities, which provided a total of $50,000, adding the DCB board also supported investing in the project. He said they are waiting to hear back from two provincial government departments; Public Works, which owns the building and property, and Tourism, Culture, and Heritage.
As for why they want to keep the VIC open, Smith said there are several reasons, and the biggest one is economic. As part of Destination Cape Breton’s strategy, they are trying to increase the average length of stay by visitors to Cape Breton, with Smith noting they believe the VICs are a key to that strategy.
Smith said they did not put a deadline on the proposal, adding they will salvage as much as they can from the tourism season.
