Usually heritage and culture is promoted along with the scenery and the fact Nova Scotia is Canada’s seacoast, she says.

"This time culture is the lead. We’re developing export markets for our cultural products. We hope to attract visitors with Celtic roots and interest in Celtic things…encourage people to come to Nova Scotia."

Travel and Leisure magazine recently named Cape Breton Island as the fourth best island in the world and the best island to visit in North America, says Fraser, adding one of the reasons the magazine chose Cape Breton was because of its Celtic culture and music so the timing is good.

The trip was funded through The Canadian Consulate, the Irish Fest organizers and the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism Culture and Heritage, said Fraser, and added the province contributed approximately $80,000, which mainly includes logistics and marketing.

Among the events planned is a buyer reception on Friday night to which 200 key festival organizers and media have been invited, says Doherty, who is president of Music Nova Scotia.

"It’s a chance to network, to hear the artists perform. We hope to see tangible results – festival bookings as a result of our participation."

The festival website, www.irishfest.org, prominently promotes the Nova Scotia contingent. >> back