OTTAWA, June 20, 2025—At its Annual General Meeting yesterday at the Ottawa Art Gallery, Ottawa Tourism confirmed its volunteer Board of Directors for 2025-2026. Representatives from many of the organization’s nearly 500 member businesses reviewed the previous year’s accomplishments and networked among a general feeling of optimism for the summer ahead.
In 2024, the Ottawa tourism community continued to deliver on Ottawa’s Destination Stewardship Plan by hosting major events like the IIHF World Junior Championship and the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. The organization advanced sustainability through initiatives like its À La Carte food recovery program which redirected over 160,000 meals to those facing food insecurity in its first year of operation, and supporting tourism businesses in improving the accessibility of their venues and activities. In partnership with Canadian Heritage, Ottawa Tourism also opened a new Visitor Centre that promotes the city’s many novel attractions and experiences, generating economic impact for Ottawa—all while laying the groundwork for key infrastructure and tourism development projects in 2025.
Ottawa Tourism is pleased to announce the election of Nyle Kelly as its new Board Chair for a two-year term. Mr. Kelly is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Brookstreet Hotel and Marshes Golf Club. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including the successful opening of more than 20 hotels across North America and Asia, he brings deep expertise and strong local commitment. He currently serves on the Algonquin College Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Advisory Advisory Board and is a past Chair of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association.
Ottawa Tourism’s Board of Directors for 2025-2026:
- Nyle Kelly, Brookstreet Hotel, Chair of the Board and of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Management Committee
- Stefanie Siska, C’est Bon Ottawa, Past Chair of the Board
- Kondwani Mwase, National Arts Centre, Vice-Chair
- Geneviève Dumas, Fairmont Château Laurier, Chair of the Meetings & Conventions Committee
- Cynthia Ladouceur, Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East, Chair of the Travel Trade Committee
- Chris Pierce, Les Suites Hotel Ottawa, Chair of the Marketing Committee
- Steve Ball, Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association
- Marc Forgette, Makatew Workshops
- Nina Kressler, Rogers Centre Ottawa
- Liliane Lê, National Gallery of Canada
- Andrew Peck, Downtown Rideau BIA
- Carole Saad, Chic & Swell Event Designers
- Sofia Santiso-Borsten, Zak’s Diner
- Ali Shafaee, Live Nation
- Joel Tkach, Ottawa International Airport Authority
- Cindy VanBuskirk, City of Ottawa
Among the items noted as initiatives that will help shape the summer season for 2025, Ottawa Tourism unveiled the Visit Ottawa Pass—a new initiative that builds on the success of previous passes that is designed to enhance the visitor experience and drive tourism growth across the region. The pass allows adults to choose 5 out of 14 top attractions and activities for only $100, while a special summer package allows children access to the same experiences for free with the purchase of an adult pass. The Visit Ottawa Pass also unlocks additional savings at select shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it easy for families to enjoy a wide range of hands-on, engaging experiences while leaning into the trends of the season to prioritize value and discover Canada’s national pride-inducing places. It complements the Canada Strong Pass announced earlier this week by the Government of Canada, which offers free access to Ottawa’s seven national museums for youth 17 and under, reinforcing Ottawa’s position as Canada’s top family travel destination this summer.
“There truly is no better time to visit Ottawa than the summer of 2025, with the myriad of free experiences for kids on offer through both passes, making Ottawa more affordable, value-driven, and responsive to the heightened interest in Canadian identity than ever before,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “Ottawa’s visitor economy is entering a new era of growth and opportunity. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and the support of our members and partners, we’re well-positioned to grow our impact by attracting major events, and marketing our destination to more potential visitors in 2025.”
Reflecting on her completed term as Board Chair, Stefanie Siska underlines the legacy of her tenure. “It’s been an honour to serve as Chair during a crucial time for our industry,” says Stefanie Siska, co-owner of C’est Bon Ottawa and Past Chair of the Board of Ottawa Tourism. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in building a more inclusive, sustainable destination and confident that the incoming Board will continue to build on this momentum.”
“I’m excited to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Ottawa’s tourism sector,” says Nyle Kelly, incoming Chair of the Board. “Our city has so much to offer, and I look forward to working with the Board and the Ottawa Tourism team to strengthen our destination’s appeal and economic impact.”
About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 10 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community contributing to economic prosperity and quality of life in Ottawa.
For more information, please contact:
Jérôme Miousse
Director, Public Affairs
corporate@ottawatourism.ca
