Welcome to Red Deer

If you find yourself in Red Deer for sports, business, or pleasure, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome and friendly hospitality. The Red Deer region is in the centre of it all. Located halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer is young, vibrant, and growing fast with a median age of under 35 years. The Red Deer region is made up of the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County. Residents and visitors enjoy exploring more than 110 km of trails that traverse the Waskasoo Park System, participating or watching sports in top-notch facilities, discovering unique attractions, and attending a variety of cultural events.

Who We Are

Tourism Red Deer is a membership organization and works to promote our region. Tourism Red Deer can connect you with new customers, assist with experience and itinerary development, expand your marketing reach, and provide access to industry resources to support business growth.
As the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Tourism Red Deer is a strong advocate for ongoing development and promotion of its stakeholders. Tourism Red Deer drives destination development, creates awareness and promotes regional collaboration to enhance the visitor experience. Encourages positive and inclusive relationships between the region’s tourism industry, community leaders, active stakeholders, visitors and residents to ensure community engagement.

Learn About Our History

Red Deer’s story is as unique as its name. The city got its name from a bit of a mix-up. The Cree people called the river flowing through the area “Waskasoo Seepee,” meaning “Elk River.” However, early European traders mistook the local elk for European red deer, translating the name as “Red Deer River.” And just like that, the name stuck!
Whether you’re here for a relaxing stay or an outdoor adventure, Red Deer has accommodations to suit every traveler. From hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts to campgrounds and cozy cabins, you’ll find options that offer stunning views, easy access to downtown, and plenty of nearby activities.
Known for its exceptional sports facilities, vibrant events, and friendly community, Red Deer and central Alberta are brimming with opportunities for adventure and connection. With welcoming locals and countless passionate volunteers, you’ll feel right at home whether you’re visiting for a tournament, a family getaway, or simply to explore.
Plan your next trip to Red Deer and experience the charm, amenities, and warm hospitality that make this community special!

Tourism Red Deer Governance

Tourism Red Deer is an independent non-profit corporation governed by a diverse membership-based Board of Directors that includes broad representation from the tourism industry and the community. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, hiring and maintaining the accountability of the Chief Executive Officer, and ensuring appropriate policies are in place to support a high performing organization.

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tourism Red Deer (as of February 6, 2025)

Appointed Directors	Organization	Term Ending
Bruce Buruma, Councillor	City of Red Deer	Until notified
Lonny Kennett, Councillor	Red Deer County	Until notified

Elected Directors	Sector Representing	Term Start	Term Ending	Eligibility
Jonathan Strome (Chair) Taco Monster	Tourism and Hospitality	May 2024	April 2026	2020 – 2028
Rob Ironside (Vice Chair) Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society	Arts and Culture	May 2024	April 2026	2021 – 2029
Dean Williams (Secretary) Red Deer Rebels	Sport	May 2024	April 2026	2022 – 2030
Michelle Tooze-Matthews (Treasurer) ZS Holdings	Hotels Red Deer	May 2024	April 2026	2022 – 2030
Laura Williamson Towne Place Suites by Marriot	Hotels Red Deer	May 2025	May 2027	2025-2032
Nancy Paish Red Deer Regional Airport	Tourism and Hospitality	May 2023	March 2025	2018 – 2026
Shelly Flint Westerner Park	Westerner Park	May 2023	March 2025	2024-2032
Amanda Gould Downtown Business Association	Downtown Business Association	May 2023	April 2025	2023 – 2031
Robbie Halonen Red Deer Polytech	Red Deer Polytechnic	May 2023	April 2025	2022 – 2031

Advisory Board Member (Non Voting):

Michelle Zeggil – City of Red Deer (Economic Development Officer

Sandra Badry – Red Deer County (Economic Development Officer)

Annual Report (2024 Year in Review)

2024 Year in Review

As we reflect on an eventful 2024 at Tourism Red Deer, we are filled with immense pride to announce that our transition to the regional Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is now complete. This evolution marks a significant milestone in our organizations commitment to not only promote but also solidify our reputation as the top major event destination among mid-sized cities in Canada.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, whose relentless efforts and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in our growth and success. Together, let us embrace these changes with enthusiasm and work collaboratively to grow Red Deer and region’s visitor economy through impactful tourism marketing, destination development, and tourism event attraction.

– Jonathan Strome and Rob Ironside, Co-Chairs | Tourism Red Deer

‍Tourism Red Deer Business Plan

In 2022, the Tourism Red Deer Board approved the Tourism Red Deer Business Plan with the support of the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County. This new approach will lead to the transition of Tourism Red Deer into a new reimagined destination development corporation that will oversee tourism marketing, destination development, and tourism event development in Red Deer and Region.

March 30, 2021

Major Event Strategy & Destination Development Framework

The Red Deer Major Event Strategy and Destination Development Framework was developed to help position Red Deer as a premier tourism and event destination in Canada.

Approved by City Council in 2021, the strategy recommends a collaborative model. It outlines a single point of contact for major events and offers a vision to align destination development with major event attraction.

Tourism Red Deer was identified as that single point of contact and is working closely with The City in development of a business plan for this opportunity. Click here for more information.

Media: Bring The Story Alive

Red Deer is in the centre of it all, halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer is young, vibrant and growing fast with a median age under 35 years. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring more than 110 km of trails that traverse the Waskasoo Park System, participating or watching sports in top notch facilities, discovering unique attractions and attending a variety of cultural events.

Red Deer makes a great home base for experiencing the delights of Central Alberta. Red Deer is one of the fastest growing and most vibrant regions of Canada with strong agricultural roots and values and plenty of unique stories just waiting to be told.

We invite you to share our story in your own way and we’re here to help you get the message out. We can provide information, story ideas, high resolution images, contacts, and just about anything else you might need.

Get in touch

Reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help and look forward to connecting with you!

Phone

1-403-346-0180

Fax

Fax: 1-403-346-5081

Email Address

[email protected]