Visit Mississauga Celebrates Two Wins at the
2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence
Mississauga recognized for excellence in tourism marketing partnerships and major sporting events
MISSISSAUGA, ON – October 28, 2026 – Visit Mississauga is celebrating two major wins at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, recognizing the city’s growing reputation as a leading destination for tourism, major events and innovative partnerships.
Presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) at a gala in Ottawa on October 22, the annual awards recognize outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership across Ontario’s tourism industry.
The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, hosted at the Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, was also named Sports Tourism Event of the Year, celebrating the success of one of Canada’s premier professional sporting events and its impact on the host destination.
“These two awards are a wonderful recognition of the partnerships and major events that are helping put Mississauga on the map,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga. “Whether we’re working with our local tourism partners to attract new visitors or welcoming world-class sporting events, these achievements demonstrate the value of collaboration and the incredible opportunities we have to grow Mississauga’s visitor economy. We’re proud to share this recognition with the many partners who help bring these experiences to life.”
The Tourism Marketing Partnership Award celebrates the collaborative efforts of Visit Mississauga, Sheraton Gateway Hotel and Square One Shopping Centre to showcase the city’s diverse visitor experiences and strengthen its appeal as a tourism destination. By connecting hospitality, retail and destination marketing, the partnership highlights Mississauga’s unique advantages, including its proximity to Pearson International Airport, exceptional accommodations, world-class shopping and vibrant local attractions.
“Square One is proud to be part of a partnership that showcases everything Mississauga has to offer visitors,” said Lesley Boughen, Associate Director, Tourism & Visitor Experience at Oxford Properties Group and Board Chair for Visit Mississauga. “As one of Canada’s premier shopping destinations, we see firsthand the value of intentionally bringing together retail, hospitality and tourism to create memorable experiences each and every day. This recognition reflects the strength of our collaboration with Visit Mississauga and Sheraton Gateway Hotel, and our shared commitment to attracting visitors while supporting the local economy.”
The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open brought the world’s top female golfers to Mississauga from August 20–24, welcoming approximately 70,000 spectators to the historic Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. As one of the most prestigious events on the LPGA Tour, the championship generated significant national and international exposure for Mississauga while attracting athletes, spectators, media and visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Delivered by Golf Canada, with CPKC as title sponsor, the championship brought together Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the City of Mississauga and Visit Mississauga. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to reconciliation, the partners created a meaningful legacy that extended beyond the tournament, demonstrating the power of sport to bring communities together.
“We are honoured to see the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open recognized as Sports Tourism Event of the Year,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada. “While the championship showcased the world’s best players, its success was driven by the people of Mississauga. From the outstanding team at Visit Mississauga and local business partners to the thousands of fans, volunteers and community members who embraced the event, this achievement reflects a collective effort to create an unforgettable experience. We are proud to have worked alongside such dedicated partners, and this recognition highlights the lasting impact that major sporting events can have on a host community.”
Together, these awards highlight the important role that tourism partnerships and major events play in strengthening Mississauga’s visitor economy, supporting local businesses and showcasing the city to audiences across Ontario, Canada and internationally.
Visit Mississauga continues to work alongside industry partners, event organizers and local stakeholders to attract visitors, create memorable experiences and position Mississauga as a destination of choice for leisure travel, sport tourism, meetings and major events.
For more information about Visit Mississauga, visit www.visitmississauga.ca.
About Visit Mississauga
Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. As an industry-led organization, it is responsible for developing the city’s tourism strategy, leading tourism marketing and development efforts, promoting local businesses and attracting business, sport and leisure events to Mississauga.
Media contact:
Visit Mississauga