Oshawa Tourism, operated by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of exceptional growth, economic impact, and strategic advancements that have strengthened the city’s reputation as a vibrant tourism destination. The report underscores the powerful role tourism plays in supporting local businesses, enhancing community pride, and driving economic success.
One of the standout findings in the report is the $1.16 million single-day economic impact generated by the Convergence Music & Art Festival, which attracted nearly 24,000 attendees in 2024—an 85% increase from the previous year. This milestone event, along with several others, signals the growing momentum behind Oshawa’s tourism sector and its ability to deliver measurable returns for the local economy.
“For the Oshawa Chamber, tourism is not just about visitors—it’s about creating economic opportunities, boosting local businesses, and fostering a stronger, more connected community,” said Carrie-Anne Atkins, Board President of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. “Oshawa Tourism has demonstrated time and again that strategic investments in tourism promotion, operator enablement, and events deliver tangible benefits for our business community and Oshawa writ large, and this year’s results prove that our work is making a real difference.”
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
The 2024 Oshawa Tourism Annual Report highlights several key achievements:
- Record Economic Impact: The Convergence Music & Art Festival alone generated $1.16 million in a single day, with local restaurants, hotels, and businesses seeing a direct boost from increased visitor spending.
- Digital Reach Milestone: Oshawa Tourism’s online presence surpassed 1 million views, with over 712,000 social media impressions and a 66% increase in website visits.
- Community & Business Engagement: The Holiday Shop Local Event drove increased sales for 17 downtown businesses, demonstrating the power of tourism-driven campaigns to support local entrepreneurs.
- Changing Perceptions: The Oshawa Visitor Experience Study revealed that 68% of residents now recommend Oshawa as a tourism destination, up from previous years—a key indicator of shifting community pride and engagement.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real impact and a growth in reach for Oshawa’s businesses and community,” said Jason King, CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. “Every visitor who attends a festival, dines at a local restaurant, or shops downtown contributes to our economy and helps us build community prosperity. Our goal is to ensure that Oshawa continues to thrive as a destination that attracts investment, fosters pride, and delivers exceptional experiences, as well as continuing to contribute to liveability and enjoyment for Oshawa residents.”
“The City of Oshawa commends Oshawa Tourism’s continued progress in advancing our community as a top destination for a growing amount of visitors each year”, said Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa. “Our great city continues to gain momentum as a premier destination for live music, the arts and award-winning festivals and events. We are proud to see growing interest in Oshawa’s rich culture and unique history along with new events that are making our city such an exciting place to visit. Congratulations to Oshawa Tourism on another successful year.”
Strategic Initiatives Fuelling Success
Oshawa Tourism’s growth in 2024 has been driven by a combination of innovative marketing, strategic partnerships, and high-impact events. Some of the key initiatives that contributed to this success include:
- The Oshawa Food Fight Campaign, which garnered over 302,500 social media views and culminated in a sold-out Boujee Bites event at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.
- Expanded Digital Marketing Efforts, including SEO enhancements that increased organic search traffic by 150% year-over-year.
- Community-Led Events, such as the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights, which saw a record 65 floats and tens of thousands of spectators, reinforcing tourism’s role in building on existing local traditions and engagement.
Tourism as an Additional Economic Driver
The success of Oshawa Tourism is not just a reflection of strong marketing—it is a strategic economic driver that benefits businesses across multiple industries, from hospitality and retail to arts and culture.
“As we look ahead, continued investment in tourism will be crucial for maintaining this momentum,” said King. “The results of this year’s report prove that tourism is a powerful lever for economic development. We look forward to working even more closely with the City of Oshawa to strengthen our role as a strategic partner in driving growth and enhancing the visitor experience.”
Looking Forward: 2025 and Beyond
Building on this year’s success, Oshawa Tourism is planning several major initiatives for 2025, including:
- Expansion of the Hometown Tourist Challenge, encouraging local exploration and engagement.
- A new Oshawa Halloween Event, aimed at filling a seasonal programming gap and drawing in visitors from across the region.
- Phase Two of Oshawa Tourism’s Website Evolution, providing new resources for tournament and event planners, businesses, and visitors to further enhance their experience in the city.
“Oshawa’s tourism industry is thriving, but after just two full years in operation, we’re really just getting started,” said Atkins. “By continuing to invest in tourism-driven initiatives, we can ensure that Oshawa remains a must-visit destination and a city that locals are proud to call home.”
About Oshawa Tourism
Oshawa Tourism is operated by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce under a multi-year agreement with the City of Oshawa. Through strategic marketing, event promotion, and stakeholder collaboration, Oshawa Tourism is dedicated to enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant and dynamic destination.
For more information or to access the full 2024 Oshawa Tourism Annual Report, CLICK THIS LINK.
