Ottawa Tourism offers three capacity-building streams to help businesses build resilience and strengthen their value proposition. Building capacity in the areas of accessibility, sustainability and reconciliation in action not only strengthens values-based business operations but also makes good business sense by expanding the customer base, enhancing brand reputation and meeting the growing demand for more sustainable and inclusive travel options.
Integrating Sustainable Practices
Integrating Sustainable Practices is designed to support members at every point of their sustainability journey; from businesses with established sustainability action plans to members taking the first step on their journey. This program offers support on how to develop meaningful partnerships to further your sustainability goals and communicate effectively about sustainability while remaining compliant with regulation. Learning paths are offered in three high-impact focus areas; energy and emissions, circular operations and supply chain. The cohort approach allows members to learn from one another and leverage the strengths of the group to build capacity together.
Learn more about the Integrating Sustainable Practices program.
Addressing Accessibility
Addressing Accessibility reflects the tourism community's shared commitment to supporting travelers facing barriers. It ensures businesses work towards more inclusive experiences by providing visitors with clear, up-to-date information on accessibility features, empowering them to make informed travel decisions within Ottawa.
The first iteration of this program focuses primarily on para-accessibility for visitors who are wheelchair users in preparation for the upcoming World Wheelchair Basketball Championships. The program is designed to support members in building capacity and continuous improvement to the accessibility of their business. The cohort approach to capacity building allows members to learn from one another and leverage the strengths of the group to build capacity together.
Learn more about the Addressing Accessibility program.
ReconciliAction
ReconciliAction is designed to help tourism businesses deepen their understanding and appreciation of the rich Indigenous heritage of Ottawa. This program supports members in building authentic connections and learning how to respectfully share Indigenous narratives while showcasing the breadth of experiences and products available to visitors. Participants will gain insights into cultural protocols, storytelling practices and partnership development with Indigenous businesses. The cohort approach allows members to learn from Indigenous business owners and leverage the strengths of the group to build capacity together.
Learn more about the ReconciliAction program.
Beyond Bienvenue
Beyond Bienvenue is designed to support tourism businesses in strengthening the experience for Francophone and French-speaking visitors to Ottawa. In preparation for the 2028 Sommet de la Francophonie, the program will help members build their capacity to welcome visitors in both official languages and identify opportunities to strengthen French-language service throughout the visitor experience.
Participants will gain practical tools, insights and resources to build staff confidence and better serve French-speaking visitors. Through expert guidance and peer learning, members will identify actions they can take within their own businesses, helping build lasting capacity beyond the Sommet.
Learn more about the Beyond Bienvenue program.
Welcoming with Pride
Welcoming with Pride is a capacity-building program designed to help tourism businesses create more welcoming and inclusive experiences for queer and trans visitors. The program will help members better understand the needs of these visitors and build confidence putting more inclusive practices into action.
Through expert-led training and practical activities, participants will explore different perspectives, learn about tools and resources to support their efforts, and have the opportunity to share their own experiences with industry peers.
