Ottawa to Host Sport Events Congress 2016, 2017 and 2019!

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) announced today that it has signed a three-year hosting partnership with Ottawa Tourism and the Westin Ottawa Hotel for its annual conference, Sport Events Congress, in  2016, 2017 and 2019.  Ottawa will play host to the CSTA’s flagship event and Canada’s largest annual gathering of sport, tourism professionals and event management firms in March of each year.  Sport Events Congress attracts over 400 delegates annually.

 “Ottawa Tourism is thrilled to partner once again with the CSTA and Westin Ottawa to host this prestigious event over 3 of the next 4 years, including during Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in 2017,” says Noel Buckley, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This Congress continues to be a vital part of the sport tourism industry in Canada and fits perfectly with Ottawa’s ‘Bid More, Win More, Host More’ strategy”. “The Westin Ottawa is proud to continue the relationship with CSTA. Our hotel is home to many outstanding amateur and professional sporting events and teams including the NHL, CFL, FIFA and the upcoming 2016 Tim Hortons Brier,” says Ross Meredith, General Manager of The Westin Ottawa. “Sports teams and organizations around the country are recognizing that Ottawa is an outstanding destination for hosting sporting events and competitions. We look forward to showcasing the great city of Ottawa.” “The City of Ottawa has an outstanding history of hosting successful national and international sport events”, said Rick Traer, CSTA CEO.  “Ottawa is well positioned to host Sport Events Congress all three years, and we especially look forward to incorporating the Congress into curling’s largest event, the 2016 Tim Hortons Brier, which is scheduled to take place in Ottawa in conjunction with the Congress.  Hosting the Congress and the Brier in Ottawa will offer CSTA’s tourism industry partners and national sport organizations a memorable experience for all attendees.” Sport Events Congress 2016 will be held Sunday, March 6

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to Tuesday, March 8

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while Sport Events Congress 2017 will take place March 20-22, 2017.  In 2019, the Congress will be staged from March 19th to March 21st.

About CSTA

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance is a tourism industry led organization that promotes sport tourism as an economic development initiative at the community level.  The CSTA services over 400 members across Canada, including 140 municipalities, 200+ national & provincial sport, multi-sport and major games organizations and variety of other sport and tourism industry partners.  Sport tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry with approximately $5.2 billion in annual spending.

About Ottawa Tourism

Ottawa Tourism provides destination marketing, strategic direction and leadership in cooperation with members and partners to attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region. Its vision is to build recognition of Ottawa as an outstanding four-season tourism destination.