A year of growth and strategic investments for tourism in the Outaouais

Outaouais, October 1, 2026 – Outaouais Tourism (TO) held its 45^th Annual General Assembly last night at Maison O'Brien. Before the members and partners gathered for the occasion, the regional tourism association presented a review of its activities for 2025–2026. Members of the Board of Directors were also elected during the meeting.
The past year was notably marked by the water damage that occurred at La maison du tourisme on September 16, 2025, resulting in the temporary relocation of TO’s administrative offices and Gatineau tourist information office. In response to this challenge, TO demonstrated agility, maintained close ties with the industry and accelerated the rollout of a strategy designed to better reach, inform and inspire visitors throughout the region.

• In 2025, the number of rented accommodation units in the Outaouais increased by nearly 6% compared with the previous year, according to data from the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec. This result reflects the destination’s growing appeal.
• The announcement of the expansion of the convention centre at the Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy complex, supported by a $50-million investment from Loto-Québec, marked a major turning point for the business tourism sector. Alongside this announcement, the Ministère du Tourisme entrusted TO with a $1.5-million mandate to strengthen efforts to attract national and international events and implement initiatives to maximize their benefits throughout the region. In just four months, seven events were secured, representing 3,032 room nights and more than $1.6 million in estimated regional economic impact.
• The recognition of the Outaouais as one of Québec’s three official tourism gateways, alongside Montréal and Québec city, continues to generate tangible support from the Ministère du Tourisme. In April 2025, the ministry increased its funding to TO by $1 million to support the continued development of a distinctive and resilient winter tourism offering. In total, funding programs administered by the Ministère du Tourisme and TO provided just over $1.7 million to tourism businesses and organizations for projects throughout the Outaouais.
• In fall 2025, TO met with members and partners across the Outaouais’s five territories. These discussions provided a better understanding of their realities, helped identify new opportunities for collaboration and informed the organization’s upcoming strategic planning process.
• TO launched a completely redesigned website to better inspire visitors and make it easier for them to plan their stay. The #OutaouaisFun collection was also refreshed, offering a renewed way to bring the regional brand to life.
• The third edition of L’Outaouais au menu and the second edition of L’Outaouais en cuisine, two culinary events organized by Outaouais Tourism, once again showcased the region’s chefs, restaurants, emerging talent and producers while contributing to the development of the Outaouais’s culinary identity.

The detailed 2025–2026 activity report is available online (French only).

“2025–2026 was marked by significant achievements that will support the long-term growth of tourism in our region. I am proud to continue serving as Chair of the Board and to help advance tourism development and raise the profile of the Outaouais alongside the TO team, the Board, and the partners who make our industry so dynamic and engaged”, said Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy, Chair of the Board for Outaouais Tourism.
The members of the Board of Directors would like to thank Michel Merleau for his contributions to the Board over the past several years, including his service as vice-chair from 2021 to 2025. They are pleased to welcome Claude Montreuil, who will succeed him as the representative for the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau territory.
Regarding the Executive Committee, Lise Sarazin has been appointed Secretary treasurer. The Board extends its thanks to Brittany Morin for her contribution in this role. 

Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Territory

• Claude Montreuil, Caya Ranch
• Marie-Pier Riel, Auberge Minitik

Papineau Territory

• Éloi Gagnon-Sabourin, Festival Ripon trad
• Hélène Léger, Centre de Vie

Collines-de-l’Outaouais Territory

• Amélie Rocheleau Leclair, Le Bellevue
• Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy, Biscotti & cie

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
• Marie-Josée Cadieux, Relais Plein Air du parc de la Gatineau 

Administrator elected among members collecting the accommodation tax 

• Nathalie Beauchamp, Fairmont Le Château Montebello

Co-opted administrator

• Marie-Josée Beaulieu, RPGL

Observer designated by the City of Gatineau 

• Bettyna Bélizaire, City of Gatineau

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

• Chair: Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy
• Vice-chair: Hélène Léger
• Secretary treasurer: Lise Sarazin

About Outaouais Tourism
Outaouais Tourism is a private, non-profit organization created by and for the industry over 40 years ago. As the Quebec government’s key tourism partner and liaison, Outaouais Tourism contributes to the region’s economic development by spearheading regional cooperation, hospitality, information, promotion, marketing and touristic development.

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