Ottawa creates new fund, hoping to continue Canada 150 momentum

The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism have collaborated to create the Destination Development Fund, which is expected to build on the momentum of 2017 by adding new and innovative tourism experiences in the nation's capital.

This investment comes through the city's new Municipal Accommodation Tax, which was approved by City Council in December 2017, and came into effect on January 1. 

An estimated $1-million of the projected tax revenue will go towards the Destination Development Fund annually, which will be used by Ottawa Tourism to support tourism entrepreneurs who are creating new attractions and events, and enhancing festivals to bring new visitors to the nation's capital.

There will be five funding streams within the program:

– Attractions, Facilities, and Tourism Infrastructure Projects
– Tourism Project Studies
– Expansion of Regional and/or Niche Tourism Opportunities
– Festivals and Events
– The Tourism Innovation Fund

“The Destination Development Fund is an absolute game changer for Ottawa and the local tourism economy. It tells the world that we recognize the value of destination development as an important factor in keeping Ottawa as an innovator in the visitor experience, which is key to our ability to compete successfully as a destination,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO, Ottawa Tourism.

The Destination Development Fund is an application-based program, with rolling intake periods throughout the year. Applications will be approved quarterly by the Tourism Development Council, which is composed of local tourism and business leaders. Priority areas have been identified where there is potential for greater visitor experiences in Ottawa, including:

– Rural tourism
– Indigenous tourism
– Waterfront and shoreline tourism development
– Projects that enhance Ottawa’s destination image
– Improvement of the visitor experience
– Cycling experience
– Bilingualism and/or francophone tourism
– Expansion of cultural tourism