Visit Mississauga Director and CEO Victoria Clarke receives 2024 Tourism Champion of the Year Award

Visit Mississauga’s Director and CEO Victoria Clarke has been named the 2024 Tourism Champion of the Year by Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TAIO).
Clarke was recognized for her passion and leadership in the tourism industry, and her efforts to promote the economic impact of tourism in Mississauga. The Tourism Champion of the Year Award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit of tourism in Ontario.

Under Clarke’s leadership, Visit Mississauga has won bids to host world-class events including this summer’s first Jackalope Mississauga Festival, and the upcoming action-packed winter festival, APIK, as well as numerous conferences and sporting events. Her out-of-the-box thinking and pursuit to push traditional tourism boundaries also inspired the team to bring world renowned large-scale mural artist Saype to Mississauga.

Clarke has a background in tourism, philanthropy, and digital marketing. She has earned designation as a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. She has won several awards in the Canadian and global tourism industries, including the Trailblazers and Innovators Award from BMO in 2019. She also serves on the CDME Board and the Foundation Board of Trustees with Destinations International.

Clarke is active in the tourism industry more broadly. She is a member of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Board and the Canadian Destination Leadership Council (CDLC) and also sits with other representatives from around the world on the Foundation Board of Destinations International (DI).

For more information about Visit Mississauga, check out visitmississauga.ca or follow Visit Mississauga on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest exciting projects and upcoming events across the city.

Visit Mississauga

Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for Mississauga. Visit Mississauga is committed to implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses and co-ordinating large-scale events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.

Quotes

“I’d like to extend a congratulations to Victoria on this prestigious award. Across all business sectors, the impact of tourism on our city’s economy cannot be underestimated. Bringing more visitors to Mississauga means restaurants are busier, retailers sell more, and events have more spectators. Victoria’s passion for promoting our city and driving the economic impact of tourism in Mississauga is evident to all who meet her. I look forward to working with Victoria and her team to continue building our reputation as a must-visit tourist destination.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Victoria exemplifies what it means to be a true Tourism Champion. Her passion and leadership make her a deserving recipient of this award. We celebrate her remarkable contributions to the industry. Victoria Clarke’s recognition underscores her relentless efforts to elevate Ontario’s tourism industry and unwavering passion for driving the economic impact of tourism in Mississauga.” – Andrew Siegwart, President and CEO of TIAO

“I am honoured and humbled to accept this award. Tourism is my passion, and I can’t think of a better city to be promoting than the wonderful cultural canvas that is Mississauga. We have so much to offer visitors, whether they are here for sports events, conferences, festivals, or leisure travel. As we continue to promote and grow our beautiful city, we will all continue to reap the benefits of increased visitors and events. Visit Mississauga is just getting started – and with my talented and committed team and supportive Board of Directors – the opportunities are limitless!”
– Victoria Clarke, Director and CEO Visit Mississauga

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• Visit Mississauga/Tourism