One-time emergency funding aims to help Ottawa Tourism festivals stay afloat

A one-time emergency fund will help Ottawa Tourism’s marquee festivals stay afloat financially.

Ottawa Tourism revealed it is facing a new hurdle because of a significantly ‘lower-than-anticipated’ funding from Experience Ontario, which, as stated by Ottawa Tourism, puts Ottawa festivals and its organizers at risk.

The organization said it’s now launching a one-time emergency funding with the support of the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Festival Network for marquee festivals that qualify and have a proven track record of bolstering tourism in the capital.

The funding comes as Ottawa’s tourism industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to boost tourism, Ottawa Tourism launched a virtual pass where residents can visit attractions across the capital city of Canada.

Earlier this summer, the vice president of destination development for Ottawa Tourism, Catherine Callary was optimistic that the tourism scene in Ottawa was looking up, especially with major summer festivals like RBC’s Ottawa Bluesfest and its ability to attract thousands of people to Ottawa.

The ultimate goal of the emergency funding is to fill the financial gap and ensure marquee organizers don’t lose money.

“Ottawa is known as a festival destination, not only by attendees, but by artists, vendors, and organizers alike,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in the release. “This funding initiative is a commitment to making Ottawa a more accessible hub for marquee festivals.”

The funding will go towards qualifying marquee festivals and eligible organizers.