Ottawa Tourism welcomed 13 Tour Operator and Receptive Operator companies from across North America, 31 Members, and 28 member companies at its exclusive event, Ottawa Live! that took place between September 26–28, 2023. The 3rd annual event is part conference, part mini-marketplace and part FAM tour. The iconic Canadian Museum of Nature and Canadian Museum of History served as venues for the marketplaces and offered tours to attendees.
The event saw a variety of activities come to life such as:
- Two mornings of one-on-one appointments where members and clients developed and strengthened relationships
- Tour of Mādahòkì Farm to experience authentic Indigenous culture
- Keynote address by Kristy Durso from Incredible Memories Travel about the significance of accessible travel to each business and practical ways to approach products and offerings from an accessible lens
- Rideau Canal Cruise with Ottawa Boat Cruise
- Round table discussions following Durso’s talk, “But You Don’t Look Disabled,” about invisible disabilities and ideas for assisting potential clients
- Tour and games at Funhaven Prime Entertainment Inc.
- FAM brought clients to 16 of our Travel Trade Members to highlight Ottawa’s offerings and practice using a lens of Accessibility
- Guided food tour with C’est Bon Ottawa in the ByWard Market
Ottawa Live! encourages tour operators to experience our unforgettable destination firsthand and fosters strong relationships between them and a variety of local businesses.
TT Sales Activities: Mexico Sales Mission
We’re gearing up to represent the magic of the Ottawa region to the Mexican travel industry. In partnership with Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto, members of the Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade team are packing their bags for an unforgettable sales mission. From November 20–24, 2023, the team and 12 members from across Ontario will meet with 16-20 tour operators in vibrant Mexico City and bustling Monterrey. Two hundred travel agents across both cities are expected to attend an engaging seminar too.
Bienvenue Quebec
Nicole Graves (Manager, Travel Trade) and many Ottawa Tourism members will be attending the 35th edition of Quebec’s quintessential tourism industry networking event, Bienvenue Quebec (“BQ”). Close to 500 attendees will witness our passion for the Ottawa region at the Trois-Rivières Convention Centre from October 29–November 1, 2023.
National Tour Association Travel Exchange 2023
Our Travel Trade team is excited to sponsor the Coffee & Tea Service Booth at Travel Exchange 2023 hosted by the National Tour Association (NTA). Travel professionals from North America and beyond look forward to this annual conference that brings together diverse buyers, DMOs, tour suppliers, directors and guides. This is where NTA members discover their latest partner, next offering and creative solutions — and leave inspired by lively business appointments, seminars and networking events. Travel Exchange 2023 comes to life November 12–15, 2023 at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana.
Will you be at the event?
OMCA Marketplace
The Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) is hosting its 2023 OMCA Marketplace event this December 11–13, 2023 at Delta Hotels by Marriot Toronto Airport & Conference Centre — and we’re sponsoring the all-delegate Ottawa Lunch on December 13. The intimate event welcomes group-tourism companies to a speedy session of one-on-one 8-minute appointments with tour operators. There are also networking receptions, lunches and information sessions to engage with. Come say hi to us!
Launching the Lady Dive app