OTTAWA, Canada - Ottawa Tourism is pleased to announce that Michael Crockatt is the new Chair of the organization.
This is a volunteer position, overseeing the work of a 15-person board. Mr. Crockatt also sits as a member of the organization's Tourism Development Council and was named Tourism Volunteer of the Year at the 2011 Ottawa Tourism Awards in May 2011.

Mr. Crockatt has served as the Vice President, Business Development & Marketing for the Ottawa International Airport Authority since July 2006. His responsibilities include strategic planning, marketing new air services for Ottawa to passenger and cargo airlines, commercial development within the terminal and on airport lands, customer service, international air policy, and passenger facilitation.

“I am excited by the challenges this new role will bring,” says Mr. Crockatt. “We have a solid team of tourism professionals at Ottawa Tourism, and we are well suited to react as markets undergo change, as new markets emerge, and as opportunities such as the upcoming NHL All-Star Game and Juno Awards present themselves.“

“Michael brings a wealth of experience to this role,” says Noel Buckley, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “He was instrumental in launching the Ottawa-Frankfurt direct flight and has been a tireless supporter of Ottawa Tourism's committees and programs. We look forward to his advice and guidance.”

Mr. Crockatt has been very active within the tourism industry and other business groups. Besides his work with Ottawa Tourism, he is a member of the Board of Directors with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

Outgoing chair John Murray will remain on the board as Past Chair and chair of the Tourism Development Council.

Ottawa Tourism provides industry leadership and destination marketing to service the travel media and attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada's Capital Region. Visit Ottawa Tourism at www.ottawatourism.ca