Ottawa and The Hague reveal joint association marketing partnership

Ottawa Tourism and The Hague Convention Bureau are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening both cities’ offering to the global meetings industry. The deal, announced at IMEX America in Las Vegas, is expected to be signed off during an Ottawa Mayoral Mission to the Netherlands 16-20 September 20, 2019. His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa will meet with his counterpart Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague, to sign an agreement at an event that will celebrate 75 years of friendship between the two nations. This MOU is the culmination of a bond created and developed over the last five years by the two convention bureaux. The collaboration between Ottawa Tourism and The Hague Convention Bureau, the sides hope, will open doors for both cities to meet new clients through knowledge sharing and exchange. One example is support given by Ottawa Tourism in the run up to The Hague hosting One Young World in 2018. As one of the world’s largest and most complex events, the Canadian capital was able to share its experiences from hosting in 2016. Key objectives from the first year of the partnership include creation of joint sales activity and research and intelligence documents focused on the security, governance and defence sectors. Bas Schot, Head of Congresses & Events, The Hague & Partners said: “The Hague and Ottawa have so much in common and we look forward to working more closely with them over the coming months and years. The Mayoral Mission to The Hague and the signing of the MOU represents significant opportunities for both cities and I am delighted that the value of the relationship has been recognised at the highest levels of city governance in both destinations.” “This partnership will strengthen the value proposition of both cities and provide a platform to explore a host of new opportunities, particularly in the sectors where the two destinations already achieve significant success,” adds Lesley Mackay, Ottawa Tourism’s Vice-President, Meetings and Major Events.