A project-filled year for the Outaouais Regional Tourism Association

Outaouais, June 13, 2024 – Outaouais Tourism held its 43^rd annual members’ meeting at the Château Cartier Hôtel & Resort to take stock of the Regional Tourism Association’s activities, present the 2023–24 year-end financial report and elect the board of directors brefore the members in attendance.

Over the past year, Outaouais Tourism has continued to focus its efforts on showcasing all territories through numerous promotional initiatives, and on developing a high-quality, sustainable and accessible offer throughout the region.

2023-24 HIGHLIGHTS

• Fall 2023 saw the launch of a new event, L’Outaouais au menu. The aim of this culinary initiative was to attract visitors during the low season and showcase local products and restaurants. The first edition was a success, and a second will be held in fall 2024, from October 31 to November 16 (Thursday to Saturday).
• Outaouais Tourism was involved in several initiatives that raised the region’s profile, including the promotion of Air France’s new direct flight between Paris and Ottawa, the Pont Eiffel en lumière show presented at Winterlude 2024, and the celebrations marking the 100th birthday of painter Jean Paul Riopelle.
• The average occupancy rate for accommodation in the Outaouais was up 3% in 2023 compared to 2022, and was slightly higher than for Québec as a whole (source: Ministère du Tourisme).
• Our digital platforms are gaining in popularity, with a 21% increase from 2020 to 2023 in the number of page views on our website.
• Several businesses were supported through Outaouais Tourism funding programs and those in partnership with the Ministère du Tourisme.

The detailed activity report for 2023-2024 can be found online (French only).

2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“I would like to acknowledge the work done by the board of directors and the Outaouais Tourism team over the past year to raise the profile of the Outaouais and develop an even more innovative tourism offer,” said Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy, Outaouais Tourism board chair. “I’m delighted to continue in my capacity as board chair. I’m fortunate to work with members and partners who are so committed to making our region a must-see destination!”

The members of the board of directors would like to thank Dominic Morin and Claudee Galipeau for their contributions to the board. They welcome Andréane Leblanc and Catherine Lemay, who will take their place as representatives of the Gatineau agglomeration and the Pontiac territory respectively.

Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Territory

• Marie-Pier Riel, L’Huile d’Olive
• Michel Merleau, Verger Merleau

Papineau Territory

• Hélène Léger, Centre de Vie
• Simon Trudeau, Kenauk Nature

Collines-de-l’Outaouais Territory

• Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy, Biscotti & cie
• Amélie Rocheleau Leclair, Eco-Odyssée Nature Park

Pontiac Territory

• Brittany Morin, Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park
• Catherine Lemay, Chalets Prunella

Gatineau Agglomeration

• Lise Sarazin, Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy - Complexe de divertissement de Loto-Québec
• Andréane Leblanc, Festival d'Humour de Gatineau

Administrator elected among members collecting the accommodation tax

• Steve Chang, Fairmont Le Château Montebello

Co-opted administrator

• Marie-Josée Beaulieu, RPGL

Observer designated by the City of Gatineau

• Mario Aubé, municipal councillor

EXECUTIVE COMMITEE

• Chair: Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy
• Vice-chair: Michel Merleau
• Secretary treasurer: Simon Trudeau

About Outaouais Tourism
Outaouais Tourism is a private, not-for-profit organization created by and for the tourism industry over 40 years ago. A preferred contact and partner of the Quebec government in the tourism field, Outaouais Tourism contributes to the region’s economic development by coordinating regional tourism plans and projects, visitor services, information, promotion, marketing and development.

For information
Alice Charbonneau-Bernier
Communications and Public Relations Manager
acharbonneau-bernier@tourisme-outaouais.ca
C. : 819 576-3185