Tourism's Role in Canada's Growth with Guest Ben Cowan-Dewar
- Tony Chapman
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Explore: Episode Overview I Moments That Matter (Show Notes) I Guest FAQs
Episode Overview
Discover Canada’s True Distinctive Experiences with Ben Cowan-Dewar
Explore the transformative power of tourism in this intriguing episode of Chatter That Matters as host Tony Chapman welcomes visionary golf entrepreneur Ben Cowan-Dewar. Revel in the magic of Cape Breton and beyond as they discuss Ben's journey from a young golf enthusiast in Kingston, Ontario, to becoming a driving force behind internationally renowned golf courses.
“Tourism isn't just about travel. It's about transformation, places, people, and of economies.” – Tony Chapman
This episode sheds light on Canada’s potential as a tourism superpower and how a focus on distinctive experiences can breathe life into local economies.
Canada, with its natural allure, has all it takes to become an unparalleled tourism destination. Tony and Ben delve into the interplay of community, culture, and commerce in reshaping perceptions in tourism. Listen to Ben's leap of faith as he recounts transforming a coal mining town into a golfing hub that’s globally celebrated.
“The best golf architects are really artists…figuring out how you interact with this landscape and move through it.” – Ben Cowan-Dewar
Learn about the deep connection between tourism and local development, and how passion and vision played vital roles in creating iconic destinations. Understand why creating places that become lasting memories is pivotal to Canada's identity and economic future.
Chris Ronald, the President of RBC in the Atlantic Region, joins the show to discuss what they are doing to help clients thrive and communities prosper, and why this region offers so much for those who visit, live and build their future.
To learn more about RBC Community Junior Golf: https://www.golfcanada.ca/rbc-community-junior-golf/
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Moments That Matters - Show Notes
[00:01:23]: Tony Chapman discusses the importance of tourism for Canada and how it can be a superpower by positioning itself as a unique destination.
[00:02:05]: Ben Cowan-Dewar shares his vision for Cape Breton Island and how every visit inspired him to move forward with his golf project.
[00:03:35]: Ben reminisces about his childhood in Kingston, Ontario, and how his passion for golf began.
[00:05:41]: Ben talks about watching the Masters in 1986 and how it fueled his enthusiasm for the game.
[00:08:09]: Tony Chapman questions Ben about finding passion, pursuit, and purpose in life and how Ben found them at a young age.
[00:15:11]: Ben discusses the feeling of imposter syndrome when first starting his project in Cape Breton and the challenges he faced.
[00:18:10]: Ben speaks on the impact of his golf courses on the local community and how it's given them a new direction.
[00:23:34]: Ben talks about building a culture that is loyal and committed to the communities where their courses are situated.
[00:26:58]: Ben shares stories of exceptional service instances that highlight the culture and values they instill in their teams.
[00:31:15]: Ben offers advice for the tourism industry and government on leveraging Canada's strong brand in tourism and its economic potential.
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Get to Know Ben Cowan-Dewar
The guest on this episode of Chatter That Matters is Ben Cowan-Dewar. Ben is recognized for his significant contributions to the tourism industry in Canada, particularly for his work in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He founded the renowned Cabot brand, which includes world-class golf courses that have drawn global attention.
Ben's major achievements revolve around his passion for golf and community revitalization. He transformed Cape Breton into a global golf destination, creating not only exceptional golf courses but also sparking economic growth and community revival. His work has led to increased employment, improved tax bases, and the retention and return of young people to the area.
However, Ben faced several challenges on his journey. He had to overcome skepticism from the local community and navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
Being a young entrepreneur without a traditional background in golf architecture or hotel management, he often encountered doubts about his capability to turn his vision into reality. Additionally, Ben dealt with personal doubts and fears, especially during challenging times like the financial crisis and the global pandemic.
Despite these obstacles, his perseverance, passion, and the supportive network around him helped him create a thriving business and community success story.
FAQs About Ben Cowan-Dewar
1. Who is Ben Cowan-Dewar? Ben Cowan-Dewar is a visionary entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to golf tourism. He is the co-founder of the Cabot brand, which includes world-renowned golf courses like Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Through his work, he has revitalized local economies and communities by transforming them into thriving destinations.
2. What inspired Ben Cowan-Dewar to pursue a career in golf tourism? Ben's passion for golf began at a young age. He grew up in Kingston, Ontario, where he played golf intensely. His fascination with the sport led him to explore the world’s greatest golf courses, which inspired him to create unique golfing experiences that connect people with nature and communities.
3. How did Ben Cowan-Dewar get involved in Cape Breton's development? Ben Cowan-Dewar discovered the potential of Cape Breton during a dinner conversation with a local politician who spoke about a promising site for golf on Cape Breton Island. After visiting the area, Ben was captivated by its beauty and saw an opportunity to create world-class golf courses there. His vision and determination helped overcome skepticism and challenges to turn Cape Breton into an internationally recognized golf destination.
4. What challenges did Ben Cowan-Dewar face while developing Cabot Links in Cape Breton? Ben encountered several challenges, including skepticism from the local community and bureaucratic obstacles. Additionally, being a young entrepreneur without experience in architecture, construction, or hotel management posed difficulties. However, through perseverance, hard work, and building trust with the community, Ben succeeded in his ambitious venture.
5. How does Ben Cowan-Dewar view the relationship between golf and local communities? Ben believes that golf courses can play a vital role in revitalizing local communities. His projects not only draw tourists from around the world but also provide employment opportunities, boost local economies, and create reasons for young people to stay in or return to their hometowns. The success of Cabot Links is a testament to how golf can contribute positively to community growth.
6. How does Ben Cowan-Dewar ensure the sustainability of his golf projects? Sustainability is a core principle for Ben Cowan-Dewar. His projects prioritize environmental responsibility, community integration, and artistic interaction with the natural landscape. Ben’s dedication to these values helps in creating not just a place to play golf but a place where community and nature are celebrated together.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated, five-star podcasts, spotlighting inspiring stories and valuable life lessons from a diverse lineup of guests—including entrepreneurs, industry trailblazers, artists, athletes, authors, celebrities, and everyday changemakers. Each episode showcases how people have turned challenges into triumphs through mindset, resilience, and purpose.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—renowned marketing strategist, sought-after keynote speaker and conference emcee, media personality, and a three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally (Listen Notes). Tune in every week as Tony welcomes a new guest who shares wisdom and practical advice on building a life filled with meaning and impact.
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