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Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund
Funding for Ottawa tourism development projects
Last Update: June 16, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 2, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Ottawa Tourism’s Destination Development Fund supports Ottawa-based tourism businesses and organizations developing new visitor experiences and products. It funds collaborative projects such as tourism offerings, feasibility studies, festivals and events, and related visitor-focused work in Ottawa.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 2, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of new tourism products and visitor experiences
- Innovation projects that create unique visitor experiences
- Tourism feasibility studies
- Expansion of regional or niche tourism offerings
- Creation or expansion of festivals and events
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Articles of incorporation
- Proof of insurance
- Recent financial statements
- Detailed business plan and supporting documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ottawa Tourism members
- Indigenous businesses
- Municipalities
- Registered for-profit businesses
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Political parties
- Organizations under the jurisdiction of other government bodies, such as school boards, social services, and hospitals
- Applicants outside the City of Ottawa
- Applicants with a significant accumulated deficit or surplus beyond program limits
Eligible expenses
- Out-of-destination marketing, promotion, and branding
- Consulting, professional fees, project management, and software licences
- Construction, installation, and visitor-facing equipment needed for the project
- Project-related permits, fees, research, travel, wages, and artist or performer fees
- Accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Operating costs, permanent staff salaries, and ongoing maintenance
- Legal, audit, and interest fees
- Working capital, debt service, losses, and refundable taxes
- Capital purchases, land, buildings, vehicles, and routine upgrades
- Training, conferences, trade shows, fundraising, and small local events
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Ottawa
Processing and Agreement
- Phase 1 submissions are reviewed first, with outcomes typically issued within 2–3 weeks.
- Phase 2 complete applications are then evaluated, usually within 4–6 weeks.
- Applications are scored against program criteria, and a minimum overall score of 70% is required for funding consideration.
- Successful applicants must sign a formal funding agreement before receiving funds.
- A final activity report is required after project completion.
Additional information
- A formal funding agreement is required if approved.
- A final activity report must be submitted after the project.
- Applications may be reviewed through a two-phase process.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted for review.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund Program
What is the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund?
Ottawa Tourism’s Destination Development Fund supports Ottawa-based tourism businesses and organizations developing new visitor experiences and products. It funds collaborative projects such as tourism offerings, feasibility studies, festivals and events, and related visitor-focused work in Ottawa.
How much funding can be received?
Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund program, you must:
Ottawa-based tourism applicant
Project within City of Ottawa wards
Financially and administratively stable
What expenses are eligible under Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund?
Development of new tourism products and visitor experiences
Innovation projects that create unique visitor experiences
Tourism feasibility studies
Expansion of regional or niche tourism offerings
Creation or expansion of festivals and events
Who can I contact for more information about the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund?
You can contact Ottawa Tourism (OT) by email at cbelisle@ottawatourism.ca or by phone at 1-833-864-7839.
Where is the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund available?
The Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ottawa Tourism — Destination Development Fund is a Other Support