PEMBROKE — The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) is excited to announce that the 3rd annual Ottawa Valley Tourism Trade Show is on Tuesday, June 28 from noon to 7 p.m. in the Pembroke Mall.
What originally began as an opportunity to educate frontline employees from across all sectors that deal directly with customers and visitors about the tourism experiences and products available in the Ottawa Valley, has quickly grown to a county-wide initiative poised at turning all residents into tourism ambassadors for the region.
“Frontline employees and residents should be our greatest tourism ambassadors for visitors travelling to the Ottawa Valley,” notes Melissa Marquardt, Marketing Coordinator with the OVTA. “Over 1.5 million visitors travel to the area each year because of the amazing tourism experiences we have to offer. As residents, we tend to take for granted what we have in our own backyard. The trade show is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves about all of the wonderful things we have to offer as a destination and why we should all be tourism ambassadors for the Ottawa Valley.”
With more than 40 tourism-related businesses, municipalities and community organizations from across Renfrew and Pontiac counties expected to participate, visitors to the trade show will be exposed to a variety of tourism products and experiences. Businesses with frontline employees who interact with tourists, such as retail, grocery and convenience stores, gas and service stations, banks and financial institutions and libraries, are encouraged to send their staff to the event to learn more about those offerings and what it means to be a tourism ambassador.
Residents interested in planning a staycation closer to home this summer or who will be entertaining visiting friends and relatives are encouraged to visit the trade show for suggested things to see and do and also learn more about becoming a tourism ambassador. And while at the show, residents can pick up the Valley Wanderer card.
“This year, we are excited to launch a new incentive geared to our residents: the Valley Wanderer card,” explains OVTA Communications Coordinator Lee MacOdrum. “This is yet another local promotional opportunity aimed at encouraging our residents to wander the Ottawa Valley and be a tourist in their own backyard.”
Available exclusively for local and seasonal residents, the Valley Wanderer Card offers discounts and savings at local attractions, restaurants, retailers, accommodations, and festivals and events. The Valley Wanderer cards will be handed out to residents at the trade show in June and distributed via municipal and recreation offices in Renfrew County throughout the season.
A key component to tourism development and being a welcoming and hospitable destination is providing exceptional customer service. In conjunction with the Ottawa Valley Tourism Trade Show, a half day Customer Service Workshop for frontline staff will also be offered. The tailored workshop will be delivered by the Delfi Group and will include topics such as: quality, service and professionalism; customer expectations; first impressions; memorable service and marketing; handling hostility; and moments of truth.
To register as a trade show exhibitor, participate in the customer service training program, or to obtain more information, visit www.ottawavalley.travel or call the OVTA office at 1-800-757-6580.
Admission to the Ottawa Valley Tourism Trade Show is free. This year’s event is generously supported by myFM Radio, Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO), the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Pembroke Mall.
The OVTA is the official destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents 230 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and events, accommodations, dining and retail establishments, rafting companies and outfitters, artists and galleries, as well as media and industry suppliers. The OVTA is proudly supported by the County of Renfrew, Renfrew County municipalities and the City of Pembroke.
