Ottawa, Ontario
August 24, 2001
For immediate release
BRANDING BEGINS AT OTTAWA AIRPORT
Canadian Tourism Commission, Malak and Airport showcase region to the world
The Canadian Tourism Commission, Ottawa Airport and their partners today unveiled Portraits of/d’Ottawa, an exhibition of unique photographs of the National Capital Region and Canada designed to showcase Ottawa-Gatineau’s unique attributes to the world of visitors that annually go through Ottawa Airport.
Portraits of/d’Ottawa represents a major branding exercise for our Region. One hundred photographs (50 photos, each printed twice) have been installed in high traffic locations in Ottawa Airport for the viewing pleasure of airport customers. The exhibition features images as captured by Malak’s camera, including landmarks, cultural, sports and leisure events, festivals and architectural and natural splendours. Photographs were carefully selected to ensure a cross representation of everything Ottawa has to offer, including activities for all four seasons.
Paul Benoit, Ottawa Airport President and CEO, said: “As the gateway to the Nation’s Capital, Ottawa Airport is an ideal location to reach millions of visitors. Ottawa Airport wants to be a reflection of the community we serve. What better way than to bring the community within our walls through the artistic flair of Malak. We wish to thank Malak, Jim Watson and all our partners for making this branding initiative possible.”
"The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is proud to be associated with the Ottawa Airport Authority and its other partners in welcoming visitors and presenting them a preview of the attractions the national capital region has to offer," said Jim Watson, President and CEO of the CTC. "The legendary magnificence of Malak's work is an invitation to discover the unique character of the sites and sceneries that abound in our region and make it such a great vacation destination."
Photographer, Malak, stated: “Today's exhibition at our airport is of very special significance for Barbara and I. It is in a way the culmination of our photographic efforts to render a service to our city.”
Presented by the Canadian Tourism Commission, the exhibition was made possible thanks to the participation of Malak Photographs Ltd., The Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit, the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority and Proulx Brothers Inc.
Ottawa Airport estimates that over 5 million travellers will board a plane prior to the inauguration of our future terminal building, scheduled for Spring 2004. These travellers will walk by Malak photographs of the Portraits of/d’Ottawa exhibition, being reminded each time of just how beautiful our Region is and everything it has to offer.
Over 3.4 million passengers travelled through Ottawa International Airport in 2000, more than 700,000 above the capacity of the current facility, which was last renovated in 1987. The Ottawa Airport Authority operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under a 60-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The Authority’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop Airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region.
- 30 -
For additional information, please contact:
Laurent Benoit, Director
Communications and Public Affairs
Ottawa International Airport (613) 248-2050
Frédérick Wallace, Manager
Communications
Canadian Tourism Commission (613) 946-9368