Obama gets a formal invitation to visit Cape Breton during Ottawa trip

The president of the United States and his family have formally been invited to visit Cape Breton.

The invitation was hand-deliveredon Wednesdayduring President Obama's visit to Ottawa.It comes from Destination Cape Breton, the island's tourismassociation.

CEOMary Tulle says she was prompted to issue the hand-written invitationfollowing Obama's mention of Cape Breton during his state dinner in March for Prime Minister Trudeau.

• Watch:Obama thanks Cape Breton for welcoming Americans fleeing Trump

The note thanks Obama for recognizing the people of Cape Breton in his speech.

"On behalf of the people of Cape BretonIsland, please know we would welcome you to come and visit our island and play on our world-class golf courses anytime," the invitation reads.

Local handbags given to Obamas

Along with the invitation, handbags made in Cape Breton were sent along forMichelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia.They were made by local companyMichique,which creates one-of-a-kind purses.

Tulle says Cape BretonCanso MP Roger Cuzner worked with the Prime Minister's Office to ensure that the delivery could take place.

Cuzner said his office wasable to get the handbags and invitation to Obama'sstaff.

"When the president of the United States comes to town, there's a pretty significant support staff," Cuzner said. "That's who we got it to, so I'm sure we'll get a response."

Tulle says she'shoping the Obamas will "visit our special island and not just golf, but tour around."

Trump bump

During his speech in March, Obamarecognized the people of Cape Breton after the website CBIfTrumpWins.com went viral.

"Where else would we see a community like Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, welcoming Americans if the election does not go their way?" Obama told the White House dinner guests.

Thewebsite wascreated by Sydney radio personality RobCalabreseon a lark, but has been visited by more than a million people so far.Tulle says the so-called "Trump bump" is having a positive impact on the summer tourism season.

She says statisticsreleased by the province this week show a 12 per cent year-over-year increaseon room nights sold in Cape Breton,compared to a one per cent increase for the province overall.