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 a wide range of things to do in Red Deer, 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 Management 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.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tourism Red Deer (as of May 2026)
Appointed Directors | Organization | Term Ending |
Bruce Buruma, Councillor | City of Red Deer | Until notified |
Kelli Ritz, Councillor | Red Deer County | Until notified |
Elected Directors | Sector Representing | Term Start | Term Ending | Eligibility |
Jonathan Strome (Chair) Fairgrounds Racket Club | 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 TownePlace Suites by Marriot | Hotels Red Deer | May 2025 | May 2027 | 2025-2032 |
Ashley Reierson Red Deer Regional Airport | Tourism and Hospitality | May 2026 | May 2028 | 2026-2034 |
Shelly Flint Westerner Park | Westerner Park | May 2023 | March 2025 | 2024-2032 |
Scott Barnabe Arts & Culture | Arts & Culture | May 2026 | May 2028 | 2026-2034 |
Robbie Halonen Red Deer Polytech | Red Deer Polytechnic | May 2023 | April 2025 | 2022 – 2031 |
Doug DeWitt Central Sport | Central Sport | May 2026 | May 2028 | 2026-2034 |
Advisory Board Member (Non Voting):
Michelle Zeggil – City of Red Deer (Economic Development Officer
Sandra Badry – Red Deer County (Economic Development Officer)
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.
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
info@tourismreddeer.com
Location
Tourism Red Deer 101 – 4200 Hwy 2 Red Deer, AB, Canada T4N 1E3
