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Ottawa Tourism launches ThinkOttawa ambassador program

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Ottawa Tourism, Shaw Centre and Invest Ottawa are collaborating to launch a program to bring more conferences and conventions to Canada’s capital city through the creation of local ambassadors. In addition to attracting potential ambassadors, the ThinkOttawa program also offers a number of solutions and support services to help win and deliver events across the city.

The program appeals to potential ambassadors by asking if they are trailblazers in their industry and wish to be the sort of leader that leaves a legacy. In particular, to increase engagement, ThinkOttawa highlights four key benefits to becoming an ambassador:

• Raised Profile – hosting an international conference can heighten the visibility of an ambassador’s work – whilst potentially generating additional research funding.

• Impact an Industry – with many international events only ever visiting a city once, it is an opportunity to leave a legacy in the ambassador’s industry and the city as a whole.

• Networking – ambassadorship provides a unique opportunity to expand networks, develop relationships and build research partnerships locally and across the world.

• Recognition – be recognised for their efforts in championing an event at annual awards attended by peers, government leaders and other industry experts.

The program also demonstrates how much support Ottawa Tourism, Shaw Centre and Invest Ottawa can offer ambassadors throughout the organising process:

• Bid Development – ThinkOttawa will work with ambassadors to prepare a customised and polished bid document and presentation.

• Venue and Accommodation – as destination experts the ThinkOttawa team will recommend and source proposals from venues and accommodation providers.

• Government, Community and Partnership Support – letters of support can be obtained from key stakeholders, partners and municipal government where applicable to help both the bid and organising process.

• Marketing and Promotional Materials – access to promotional photos and videos that showcase the city and its unique offerings will help in the initial bid process as well as securing attendance at the event itself.

• Financial Support – Ottawa Tourism offers funding programs designed to assist eligible organisations with exhibition and meeting space rental costs as well as other areas of expenditure.

“Ambassador programs are not unusual in the world of association conferences and congresses but we wanted to go the extra mile and create a truly bespoke offering for those individuals wanting to get involved,” comments Ottawa Tourism’s Vice President, Meetings and Major Events, Lesley Mackay.

“Specifically, we are looking to help those individuals become leaders, share knowledge, connect, introduce ThinkOttawa and identify opportunities for the city. As Canada’s capital we are home to national and international association representatives all looking to host events in creative and inspiring spaces. We want to show them why Ottawa is the perfect destination and how easy it is to hold events here.”

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Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism join forces to target UK

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Senior members from Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism will visit the UK from April 8-10 to promote both regions as a holiday destination.

The delegation, which also includes representatives from Canada’s national museums and from the wildlife experience called Omega Park, will visit Manchester and London, where they are set to meet with leading travel trade partners and top travel media.

The sales mission will conclude with an exclusive co-hosted event taking place at the Argyll Room & Terrace at London’s prestigious No. 4 Hamilton Place.

Ottawa is Canada’s capital with more than one million people. Located in Ontario at the Quebec border, it’s a place where English and French are spoken in the streets. Outaouais is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, facing Ottawa.

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Canada’s Tourism Minister to speak about importance of sport tourism at Ottawa event

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The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, will talk about the importance of sport tourism to Canada’s economy at the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Sport Events Congress, the largest annual gathering of the sport tourism industry in the country.

the Minister will also discuss Canada’s upcoming federal tourism strategy.

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Canada’s government officials announce support for victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

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Today, the Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Honorable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement announcing Canada’s support to victim identification efforts following the tragic aircraft accident involving an Ethiopian Airlines Flight.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in this tragic accident.  Our thoughts continue to go out to each of the Canadian families, friends and communities affected by this awful accident.

The situation on the ground is fluid and may continue to evolve rapidly. Canada will remain ready to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts.

To this end, the Government of Canada, through the Government Operations Centre and Global Affairs Canada, is in constant contact with international and local officials to coordinate Canada’s contribution to these efforts, in support of Interpol’s call for assistance. At present, the RCMP has provided a team of three specialized personnel to assist with providing disaster victim identification support.

Four additional Canadian officials have been dispatched to Ethiopia to provide added capacity and expertise as well as support to affected families. Officials from the Embassy and from Global Affairs Canada’s Standing Rapid Deployment Team have been coordinating with local authorities in Addis Ababa. Officials have been supporting family members of Canadian victims who have travelled to Ethiopia, including by sharing updates on the situation, providing information about local contacts and services, and accompanying families to the site of the tragedy.

Canadian officials will continue to work closely with Ethiopian Airlines and local authorities on the gathering and sharing of information in real time with the families, including on questions relating to repatriation.

Friends and relatives in Canada who are in need of assistance should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1-613-996-8885 or email [email protected].

On behalf of all Canadians, we are grateful to all nations who have heeded the international call for assistance, and commend the Canadians who will solemnly perform their duties in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.”

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