Meet the Board: Melissa Marquardt, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, Renfrew County
Melissa Marquardt is an Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) board member who has stood the test of time. Melissa was not only one of the first directors for the OHTO board and served three full terms, but after taking a short break she is back again.
One might wonder what keeps bringing Melissa back to this role with OHTO? The answer is: Lots.
“I’m very passionate about tourism and passionate about promoting Ontario’s Highlands as a place to play, live and work,” explained Melissa. “Being around a table of like-minded individuals who want to see the success of our operators and communities is very exciting and something I want to be a part of.”
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Melissa is someone who lives and breathes tourism. As the Manager of Economic Development with the County of Renfrew, Melissa has worked in tourism at Renfrew County for more than 15 years, and is responsible for the management of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, the Destination Marketing Organization for Renfrew Countya nd the Upper Ottawa Valley. Tourism is Melissa’s focus professionally, but she also lives and is part of the community in an area renowned for its tourism offerings.
From whitewater to camping, food and drink, and more, the Ottawa Valley is a tourism centrepiece, which gives Melissa plenty of inspiration for her professional and personal life. The best part about tourism, from her perspective, is that it’s always evolving and changing, which keeps it exciting.
Her position on OHTO’s board has given her the tools to use in her day job, but it’s also inspired conversation and thinking on bigger-picture ideas relating to tourism and how they can apply in her region.
“In tourism, we tend to be in a reactionary state, and it’s nice to be in a proactive state and thinking about the future and where want to go and who we want to be,” said Melissa. “Those are the bigger picture conversations we have at the OHTO table.”
Melissa is looking forward to welcoming new board members to the table and inviting new perspectives for the conversations about sustainable tourism and what tourism will look like in the future in Ontario’s Highlands.
“If anyone has an interest in tourism and wants to have a stake in the future of Ontario’s Highlands, then I would suggest they consider joining the board. It’s not an onerous time commitment and the conversations we have are important.”
Interested in being on OHTO’s Board of Directors?
Share your vision for the future! OHTO’s Board of Directors is looking for energetic, positive and collaborative strategic thinkers to contribute to the growth of tourism in the region by volunteering to serve as a Director of the Board. Opportunities to fill vacancies are available to our members and interested individuals able to commit to a three-year term, are encouraged to review and complete the online application.
Submit your online application here.