Mississauga Tourism Leader Victoria Clarke Honored as 2024 Tourism Champion of the Year
Mississauga, ON – Victoria Clarke, Director and CEO of Visit Mississauga, has been awarded the 2024 Tourism Champion of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TAIO). This prestigious accolade highlights Clarke’s dedication to elevating Mississauga’s profile as a dynamic tourism destination, attracting visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Clarke’s role in promoting tourism’s economic impact within the city has made her a prominent figure in the sector, embodying TAIO’s criteria for the award.
Under Clarke’s guidance, Visit Mississauga has successfully secured several high-profile events, including the first-ever Jackalope Mississauga Festival last summer and the anticipated winter festival, APIK. These and other notable gatherings continue to draw crowds and revenue to the city, reinforcing Mississauga’s status as a competitive player in the tourism market. Clarke’s initiatives include a large-scale mural project by internationally recognized artist Saype, further positioning the city as an arts destination.
Beyond local achievements, Clarke brings a wealth of industry experience, holding a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation—the highest level of certification in tourism management. She is an award-winning leader with previous recognitions like the BMO Trailblazers and Innovators Award in 2019 and serves on both national and international boards, including the Canadian Destination Leadership Council (CDLC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Board.
In response to Clarke’s achievement, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish shared her congratulations, emphasizing the significant economic impact of tourism on the city’s businesses. “Victoria’s passion for promoting our city and driving the economic impact of tourism in Mississauga is evident to all who meet her,” Parrish said. “I look forward to working with Victoria and her team to continue building our reputation as a must-visit tourist destination.”
Clarke’s contributions underscore Visit Mississauga’s mission to implement the city’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses and facilitating large-scale events that enhance Mississauga’s appeal as a vibrant, cultural, and leisure destination.
For further updates on events and initiatives, visit visitmississauga.ca or follow Visit Mississauga on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and X.
SOURCE City of Mississauga
