Ottawa's tourism industry sees visitor boost this summer
Ottawa's tourism industry heated up over the summer, with a spike in visitors checking into hotels in the national capital.
Newly released statistics from Ottawa Tourism show there was a four per cent increase in hotel demand from Victoria Day to Labour Day this summer, compared to the same period in 2023.
"This positive increase form 2023 reflects the organization's ongoing efforts to build momentum with the goal of surpassing the record set in 2019 as gains continue to be made in the recovery of tourism post-pandemic," Ottawa Tourism said in a statement.
"Despite some remaining challenges, this momentum has been bolstered by new air route announcements by Air Canada and Porter, improving accessibility to the city, as well as increased business driven by return-to-office mandates."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The summer tourism season in Ottawa included Canada Day festivities, the Canadian Tulip Festival, Escapade Music Festival and other festivals and events. Ottawa Tourism says tourism also includes sports, conferences, groups visiting the capital, people visiting friends and relatives and business travel.
As the summer travel season wraps up, Ottawa Tourism has released the 2024 Economic Impact Study, looking at the importance of the tourism sector on Ottawa's economy.
Ottawa welcomes 9.8 million visitors each year, who spend $2.6 billion a year, according to the organization. The capital's visitor economy employs 35,000 people through direct and indirect employment.
"With nearly 10 million visitors annually and $3.1 billion in economic output, our industry continues to be a cornerstone of Ottawa’s economic prosperity," Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, said in a statement.
"Tourism and destination promotion result in more than just attracting visitors — they are catalysts for community vitality. By strategically investing in brand management, destination stewardship, and sales programs, we enhance Ottawa’s appeal as a place to visit, live, work, and play, ensuring long-term benefits for everyone.”
Ottawa Tourism says tourism in Ottawa contributes $921 million in taxes annually to federal, provincial and municipal governments.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
Trudeau Liberals' two-month GST holiday bill passes the House, off to the Senate
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays passed in the House of Commons late Thursday.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Sneak peak ahead of the reopening
After more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed its new self to the world Friday, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Can't resist Black Friday weekend deals? How to shop while staying within your budget
A budgeting expert says there are a number of ways shoppers can avoid getting enveloped by the sales frenzy and resist spending beyond their means.
Montreal shopping mall playing 'Baby Shark' song to prevent unhoused from loitering
A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal is being criticized for using the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' to discourage unhoused people from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells.