(Pembroke, ON) – The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) is pleased to announce the launch of its new website www.OttawaValley.travel. The new site, which is an amalgamation of all three OVTA websites – www.ValleyExplore.com, www.RootsandRivers.ca and www.OttawaValley.org - is rapidly becoming the Upper Ottawa Valley’s number one tourism marketing tool for visitors to the region.

Developed by Blue North Web Studios of Renfrew, the website includes new features such as a more user-friendly interface and simplified search capabilities. Visitors to the site will be able to search for tourism operators, activities and accommodations by location, as well as sort and search an in-depth calendar of events. Additionally, the website is available in over 10 languages using the Google Translate function.

“The OVTA Board of Directors and staff have worked hard over the past 8-months to develop a more user-friendly and informative website for both visitors and the OVTA membership,” said Charlotte Gebhart, President of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. “The new site, which contains more information and is easier to navigate, offers visitors a more simplified approach when planning their vacation in the Ottawa Valley.”

The OVTA anticipates that traffic to the website will increase by more than fifty percent over the next year. When comparing June 2009 web stats to June 2008, the OVTA has already seen an increase by more than twenty percent. Additionally, using to the “.travel” domain not only enables organizations in the tourism and travel industry to substantially improve their internet visibility, but also lets internet users know that they are being directed to a legitimate tourism- and travel-related business.

“Nowadays, the majority of tourists use the internet for researching and planning their vacations,” noted Melissa Johnston, Marketing Coordinator with the OVTA. “Promoting the new website using the “.travel” domain not only makes sense but will also assist the OVTA with its marketing and promotional efforts both locally and externally.”

Over the course of the summer, the OVTA will continue to work on the site, adding more information and content, as well as developing exciting new features, including an on-line renewal system for the membership.

The OVTA gratefully acknowledges the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation and FedNor for their financial assistance toward this project.

The OVTA is the official destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents more than 230 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and events, accommodation, dining and retail establishments, rafting companies and outfitters, artists and galleries, as well as media and industry suppliers.