Sutcliffe meets with airline and business executives on business trip to London
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe met with airline industry executives in London on Monday, as he continues his trade mission to promote the capital as a tourism destination.
Sutcliffe has joined officials from Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa for the trip to the United Kingdom, where he will be a speaker at the SportsPro Live 2024 conference on Tuesday.
On Monday, Sutcliffe said he met with airline industry executives to "support the Ottawa Airport's efforts to attract more flights" between Ottawa and Europe.
"I hear often from Ottawa residents and business owners that they want more direct flights to international destinations, including London," Sutcliffe said on social media. "It’s a long-term process but we hope to make some progress in the months ahead."
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
There is currently one direct flight from Ottawa to Europe. Air France continues to expand its service between the Ottawa Airport and Paris.
Sutcliffe was criticized on social media earlier this month when he announced plans to join Ottawa Tourism on the trade mission, saying he would be running in the London Marathon.
The mayor completed the London Marathon on Sunday in just over four hours. On Saturday, Sutcliffe posted photos on social media spending time at the Ottawa Race Weekend booth at the London Marathon Race Expo.
Ottawa Tourism said it was covering the cost of Sutcliffe's travel and accommodations while in London for the business trip. Sutcliffe said he would pay for any expenses related to the marathon.
Ottawa Tourism told CTV News Ottawa they invited Sutcliffe on the trip, "which will allow for him to engage directly with key stakeholders through targeted meetings and networking opportunities."
"Ottawa Tourism continues its efforts in business development within key international markets to promote Canada’s capital as a prime destination for business and leisure travel," Ottawa Tourism said in a statement.
"This year's mission to the UK, Ottawa’s top overseas market, will last 4 days/3 nights and aims to provide opportunities for our delegation to join forces and meet with new and existing contacts to encourage business in our destination, from meetings and conventions to major events, tour operators, and beyond.
"The focus is to highlight Ottawa's strengths as a destination to business and leisure travellers, as well as its potential for economic development and event hosting."
Sutcliffe is scheduled to speak at the SportsPro Live conference on Tuesday, with the topic, 'How Ottawa became a major sports hub.'
The SportsPro Live website says Sutcliffe will discuss Ottawa's approach to hosting major events and what the plans are for the future.
The mayor said he's also using the trip to London to meet with the executives of international companies that have a "significant presence in Ottawa", to encourage them to "invest more in the growth of those companies in Ottawa."
This is Sutcliffe's second international trip as Mayor of Ottawa. Last June, Sutcliffe joined Ottawa Tourism on a trade mission to Paris.
Former Mayor Jim Watson led trade missions to the Netherlands, Beijing and India.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.