It seems Americans can’t get enough of Cape Breton Island.

Back in February, we told about a local radio host who set up a website to thrust Cape Breton into the public consciousness when he pitched the region as a Trump-free paradise to Americans.

It didn’t take long for the “Cape Breton if Donald Trump Wins” site go to viral, even capturing the attention of CNN.

The island has seen more than a threefold increase in traffic to its tourism website this year, resulting in around 3,500 bookings.

According to Nova Scotia Tourism, Cape Breton hotels and B&Bs sold 30 per cent more overnight stays in rooms this April compared to the same month last year.

Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton, says the tourism association now requires at least two full-time staff members to manage online and phone inquiries.

It’s been called the “Trump Bump.”

She says that the newfound interest in Cape Breton has attracted around 1.5 million page views on the website – about one third of the traffic is American. Drawing on this, the tourism association even launched a sister site offering information on how Americans who want to flee a Trump reign can move to Canada and start a life in Cape Breton.

Last month President Obama received a hand-written invitation to Cape Breton as a token of appreciation after he gave the island a shout-out during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s White House state dinner in March.

If you’re still in the market for a summer vacation, you may want to check out Cape Breton for yourself before it becomes a not-so-hidden Canadian gem.

[ad_bb2]