Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is spending $1.5billion on
its ‘events infrastructure’ as cities south of the border reel from a projected 10
per cent decline in visitor spending.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs, travel
bans, and border and immigration policies, have combined to deter visitors to the USA, according to the World Travel Council.
It estimates the US stands to lose $12.5bn in international
visitor spending this year.
Meanwhile a mixture of public and private investment
is transforming Ottawa’s downtown, significantly expanding its event
infrastructure, with new venue and hotel openings.
Spearheaded in part by Ottawa Unlimited—a
collaboration between Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of
Trade— this effort reflects a long-term strategy to position Canada’s capital
as a thriving hub for global business events.
The investment comes at a time when Canadian and European event
planners are pulling back from the American market.
In a recent Northstar Meetings Group Snapshot
Pulse Survey, 95 per cent of Canadian planners said stakeholders — clients,
sponsors, or delegates —had raised concerns about holding events in the US under
the current political administration. Half had stopped considering the US altogether,
citing issues of safety, inclusivity, and unpredictability amid a volatile
election cycle.
A later iteration of the Pulse
survey showed that three-quarters (73%) of association and
not-for-profit planners expect to grow their events outside the United States
over the next five years, with Canada and the Caribbean ranked second only to
Europe in growth potential.
In a statement,
Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said: “While other nations are
rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’
sign’.”
Ottawa’s new conference assets:
- History
Ottawa (opening 2026): A centrally located, 2,000-capacity venue by
Live Nation, designed for flexibility and technical excellence.
- Hard
Rock Hotel Ottawa: A new full-service property with 150 guestrooms, an
1,800-seat theatre, casino, and restaurants—perfect for integrated
conferences and exhibitions.
- AC
Marriott & Moxy Ottawa: Two stylish new hotels in the ByWard
Market district, offering more than 380 rooms and creative meeting
environments.
- Ādisōke (2026): A world-class central library and cultural venue, ideal for
association events rooted in community and reconciliation.
Accessibility is another major draw. With direct Air France
flights from Paris and Air Canada’s London Heathrow service returning in March
2025, Ottawa now offers seamless access for European delegates—bypassing the
complexities of US entry regulations.
“Ottawa is seeing smart, sustained investment in the things
that matter to event organisers - venues, hotels, walkability, and
connectivity,” said Stephanie Seguin, Ottawa Tourism’s VP, Business and Major
Events. “And through partnerships like Ottawa Unlimited, we’re creating a city
that is engaging, vibrant and welcoming – an ideal setting for memorable
business events.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
