Woo Hoo! Mark Nisbett!

Saultbie Mark Nisbett has landed a cool new job as executive director of sales for Ottawa tourism.

Nisbett is brother-in-law to Trevor Zachary, the Essar Centre's marketing and events manager.

This photo shows Mark Nisbett with his niece Ella, who's Trevor's daughter.

************************* Mark Nisbett named Ottawa Tourism’s executive director of sales

Will officially commence duties on September 29, 2008

OTTAWA - Mark Nisbett has been named the executive director of sales for Ottawa Tourism, as announced by Noel Buckley, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

Mr. Nisbett will officially commence his duties on September 29, 2008.

This is a brand new position within Ottawa Tourism and Mr. Nisbett will oversee meeting, convention and incentive travel (MC&IT), as well as travel trade activities.

“We are extremely excited to have someone with Mark’s experience, credibility and knowledge joining the Ottawa Tourism team,” Mr. Buckley stated. “His credentials and familiarity with the Ottawa destination and its partners are a definite asset.”

Mr. Nisbett was most recently the director of sales and marketing for the Westin Ottawa.

He started his hospitality career there in 1992 in various operations positions before moving into sales in 1994.

In 1996, he was promoted to the position of corporate sales manager and in mid-1998 moved to the Crowne Plaza Ottawa for one year as corporate sales manager.

In May 1999, Mr. Nisbett returned to the Westin Ottawa as director of corporate sales until his promotion to director of sales and marketing in January 2000 at the Westin Edmonton.

Mr. Nisbett moved to Toronto in March 2004 as the director of sales at the Westin Harbour Castle.

He returned to Ottawa for his current position in June 2006.

He is a member of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and Meeting Planners International (MPI), as well as a member of Ottawa Tourism’s Convention Committee.

“I am very excited to join the Ottawa Tourism team,” says Mr. Nisbett. “As the redevelopment plan for the Ottawa Congress Centre begins, we are looking forward to the 2011 completion date. Our team will be working hard with our partners to develop strategies and expand our markets to ensure Ottawa is well positioned as a world class destination for future meetings, conventions and tour groups.”

Ottawa Tourism provides destination marketing, strategic direction and leadership in cooperation with members and partners to service the travel media and attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.

Its vision is to build recognition of Ottawa as an outstanding four-season tourism destination.

Visit Ottawa Tourism at this website.

*************************