Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC) attracted 54,500 out-of-town visitors that boosted Ottawa’s economy by $101 million in 2012, according to an economic impact study conducted by Ipsos Reid.
Commissioned by OCC, the study analyzed spending on the 57 conventions and tradeshows held at the new facility in 2012 that drew at least 25 percent of participants from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The $101 million in direct spending includes:
The study found these conventions and tradeshows attracted more than 47,000 delegates and attendees from outside Ottawa and nearly 6,000 staff members that represented more than 1,500 non-local exhibitors. These events also generated tax revenues for the federal and provincial reserves estimated at more than $38 million.
“This report reconfirmed OCC as a major contributor to Ottawa’s economy and a key partner to local businesses,” said OCC President and CEO Patrick Kelly. “From our beautiful downtown hub, exhibitors and guests radiate out to hotels, shops and restaurants, eager to spend time and money in our spectacular city.”
The OCC is now generating more revenue per square foot than any other convention centre of its size in Canada.
The newly re-built Ottawa Convention Centre opened in April 2011. Being a G8 capital, Ottawa needed a new convention centre that could accommodate large scale events. The centre is a ‘stay-at-home export’ as it attracts business to our nation’s capital that would otherwise go elsewhere. The aggressive marketing outreach in the global marketplace that has taken place over the past few years in partnership with local hotels and Ottawa Tourism has paid off. This is evidenced by the 1,289 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) that are supported solely by the convention business accommodated by OCC in the second year of operation and the $101 million estimated in economic impact to the city of Ottawa.
THE YEAR 2012 IN REVIEW
Both out-of-town and local event guests use Ottawa's taxi, limousine, car rental and shuttle services. With its expanded operations, the Centre will continue to support the local transportation industry by:
Major industries affected:
More information available in our Annual Report
Download
Feedback
Email