Tourism promoter remembered

The tourism industry in Cape Breton has lost one of its greatest ambassadors.

Linda Kennedy, owner of one of Cape Breton’s most popular tourism attractions — The Beggars Banquet in Louisbourg — died on May 3 after a long battle with cancer.

Kennedy was the owneroperator of the Point of View Suites in Louisbourg, which she owned with her husband Tom.

She had a successful career, full of amazing experiences.

Besides being a business owner, she was also a historic interpreter at the Fortress of Louisbourg for many years.

Kennedy worked tirelessly to build and promote the tourism industry not only in Louisbourg, but for all of Cape Breton.

She hosted many of the familiarization tours for both Cape Breton tourism counsellors, as well as travel counsellors from around Nova Scotia at the Point of View Suites — offering free accommodations and the experience of taking part in their incredible cultural and dining experience at the Beggars Banquet.

Kennedy was an amazing hostess, but was also an amazing entertainer, as she proved to her guests as the persona of her alter ego Sabine.

If she had ever wanted to add another career, she could have easily added comedian, as she entertained visitors from around the world with Sabine’s antics, delighting everyone who attended the banquet.

Kennedy also travelled to Halifax to promote Cape Breton Island at the Saltscapes Travel Expo, as part of the Cape Breton tourism group.

She was my partner on a promotional trip to New York, when Destination Cape Breton participated as part of the Clipper World Race Tour.

We shared a lot of great experiences and laughter over the years. She had the ability to put a person at ease and feel as if you had known her all your life.

She was one of Cape Breton’s best ambassadors and a shining star in our tourism industry and I am privileged to have had her as a friend.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

We send our deepest sympathy to her husband Tom and her family on their great loss.