Membership

Background

Ottawa Tourism has been marketing Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region as a destination for visitors, tours, business and major events, and travel media, since 1971. Governed by a Board of Directors, Ottawa Tourism is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that promotes Ottawa on the regional, national and international stages.

The role of Ottawa Tourism has evolved over the past 50+ years: today we not only market the destination, we are involved in the management of it as well.

Our current strategic plan defines our vision: To be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and valued urban destinations, and the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa.

An award-winning organization, Ottawa Tourism has a strong reputation as one of the most innovative and progressive destination marketing organizations (DMO) in North America. Ottawa Tourism has been awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal by Destinations International in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.

Value of membership

Businesses and organizations who join Ottawa Tourism show a commitment to the local tourism community and stay connected to the latest industry news and developments. Members contribute to and benefit from advocacy efforts to local, provincial, and federal government decision-makers.

Members can attend the Annual General Meeting in late spring, where those eligible can vote for the Board of Directors. Members can also volunteer to sit on Ottawa Tourism committees, which provide big-picture direction to the organization.

Each year, there are a variety of paid opportunities—from conferences to marketing campaigns—in which members may choose to participate.

Learn how an Ottawa Tourism membership can benefit your business and what's included in it.

Membership cost

There is no fee to join and become involved in Ottawa’s tourism community. Ottawa Tourism believes that removing barriers to membership allows for greater collaboration and sets the stage for a balanced and productive partnership.

Industry members who wish to leverage Ottawa Tourism’s sales and marketing efforts can choose to participate in a variety of opportunities that allow them to work more closely with our teams and participate in additional activities.

Membership term

Memberships are valid for one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. Any add-ons must be renewed annually. The Member Code of Ethics is valid for three years.

Member approval process

All prospective member applications must undergo a three-part approval process, which can take up to 2 months to complete. All prospective member applicants are reviewed by the membership department, the membership committee, and Ottawa Tourism’s Board of Directors. Any prospective applicant who does not receive approval from each designated review body will not be admitted into membership with Ottawa Tourism. Please note that all decisions are final and prospective applicants cannot appeal or renegotiate this approval process.

Join us

Ottawa Tourism welcomes membership applications from tourism and hospitality related businesses located in the Ottawa area. No matter the size of your business and whether you serve the public or other organizations, there’s a place for you within the Ottawa Tourism family!

Join the tourism community by becoming a member of Ottawa Tourism. Apply for membership.