OTTAWA, June 1, 2026—Ottawa Tourism announced its volunteer Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, attended by members and partners from across the visitor economy. Representatives from many of the organization’s nearly 500 member businesses reflected on the past year and shared a sense of optimism as Ottawa looks ahead to the summer tourism season to come.
Members reviewed highlights from the past year, including Ottawa Tourism’s continued delivery on Ottawa’s Destination Stewardship Plan, with a focus on growth, inclusivity and forward-looking initiatives. In 2025, the tourism community advanced key priorities outlined in the plan’s most recent update, including strengthening industry partnerships, supporting responsible tourism practices and investing in initiatives that enhance both the visitor experience and quality of life for residents.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2026, Ottawa Tourism noted visitation-encouraging initiatives such as the continued success of the Visit Ottawa Passes and the return of the federal Canada Strong Pass, which together continue to make the destination more value-driven for all visitors to drive tourism growth across the region. These cost-saving programs, combined with a full calendar of festivals, activities and cultural experiences, position Ottawa well for the peak leisure travel season.
“Ottawa’s visitor economy continues to move forward with intention, and the momentum is further amplified by Ottawa 200, the year-long celebration marking Ottawa’s bicentennial,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “The anniversary provides a unique opportunity to showcase Ottawa’s history, culture and evolving identity to visitors from across Canada and around the world, while reinforcing civic pride and community connection through free and affordable programming.”
“Ottawa Tourism shows clear signals of stability and there is a strong sense of confidence in both the organization and the direction it is taking,” says Nyle Kelly, incoming Chair of the Board. “From an industry perspective, we’re seeing confidence in Ottawa as a destination reflected in part by investments in the accommodations and attractions sectors, and that confidence is grounded in the work Ottawa Tourism continues to do.”
As part of the AGM, Ottawa Tourism confirmed its volunteer Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term. The Board brings together leaders from across the tourism, hospitality, culture and events sectors, providing strategic oversight as the organization continues to advance destination development.
Ottawa Tourism’s Board of Directors for 2026-2027:
- 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
- Colin Morrison, Ottawa Marriott Hotel, Chair, Marketing Committee
- Stéphane Pelletier, AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown, Chair of the Travel Trade Committee
- Steve Ball, Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association
- Ashley Clark, Bougie Birch
- Liliane Lê, National Gallery of Canada
- Lesley Pincombe, Rogers Centre Ottawa
- 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
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, 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.
For more information, please contact:
Jérôme Miousse
Director, Public Affairs
corporate@ottawatourism.ca
