If you have an idea that can attract visitors to Ottawa, and you require funding assistance to get your project off the ground, you can apply for the Destination Development Fund.
Ottawa Tourism is actively involved in the local community and offers financial support to assist not-for-profit organizations, national and/or provincial industry sector associations, municipalities, and for-profit businesses. The goal is to develop quality tourism products, encourage the competitiveness of our tourism sector organizations, stimulate increased visitor attendance and expenditures, and encourage private sector tourism investment in Ottawa.
One of Ottawa Tourism’s key mandates is to lead or support all stakeholders in creating memorable experiences that align with our vision statement: Ottawa offers visitors the complete capital experience.
Through funding opportunities, Ottawa Tourism supports organizations in the development of tourism demand-generating initiatives that enhance Ottawa’s visitor economy and destination experience. Eligible organizations may receive a maximum of two (2) funding allocations per calendar year.
Useful links you may be interested in
Current funding programs
For further information about our current funding programs, please visit the following webpage(s):
Nightlife Tourism Development Fund
Past funding programs and recipients
See some examples of how Ottawa Tourism has supported tourism efforts in our region and hear how our funding programs have impacted previous participants in their own words.
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Major Festivals Fund
The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism, have launched a two-year pilot program – the Major Festivals Fund – to increase financial support to Ottawa’s larger, tourism-generating festivals. -
Tourism Relief Fund – Ottawa and Prescott-Russell
FedDev Ontario provided funding to 55 businesses and organizations in the Ottawa and Prescott-Russell region of up to $100,000 in one-time, non-repayable support. -
Request for proposal - Ottawa May in Bloom Festivities 2024-2026Ottawa Tourism invited qualified organizations to submit proposals for “Ottawa May in Bloom Festivities” to launch during the month of May.
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Tourism Accessibility Fund
Ottawa Tourism offered funds to tourism businesses to make our destination more inclusive and welcoming for all. -
RFP for TASTE Ottawa Restaurant Week DevelopmentOttawa Tourism invited qualified organizations to submit proposals to develop a TASTE Ottawa Restaurant Week business model.
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Winter Tourism Development FundThe Winter Tourism Development Fund supported expanding innovative tourism experiences during the off-peak season to enhance visitor engagement and boost Ottawa's winter economy.
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200th Tourism Animation FundOttawa Tourism’s 200th Tourism Animation Fund supported businesses in creating tourism products and experiences that celebrated our city’s bicentennial.
