Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Program Winners Announced in the Kootenay Rockies, Creating New Tourism Experiences
VANCOUVER – Three finalists who made winning pitches for the Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.
The Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between Destination British Columbia, the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.
The goal of the program is to find, advance, and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the experience of Outdoor Explorers – adventurous spirits who seek the thrill of unknown places, physical challenge, and connection with locals – and other visitors to the southeast corner of British Columbia.
The Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Program winners are:
- Karla Kuharic – Alpenglow Mountain Escapes
- Christopher Genovese – Valley Vibes
- Rosa Elvir – The Cozy Café Route of the Kootenays
In addition to seed funds, mentorship, and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.
For more information visit: https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/birthplaceofadventure
QUOTES
Hon. Anne Kang, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“From hiking alpine trails and paddling Kootenay Lake to cycling through vineyard valleys and soaking in natural hot springs, B.C. offers no shortage of outdoor adventures. The Birthplace of Adventure ‘Spark’ Program continues to inspire innovation in the Kootenay Rockies. Congratulations to this year’s winners, whose ideas will open up new ways to experience the region. Their vision connects visitors with the landscapes, culture, and communities that make this part of B.C. truly extraordinary.”
Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
“As Birthplace of Adventure continues to grow as a destination brand, these winning ideas play an important role in bringing fresh perspectives and visitor-ready experiences to the Kootenay Rockies. Congratulations to the winners whose ideas are shaping new ways for Outdoor Explorers to experience this incredible part of British Columbia.”
Kathy Cooper, CEO, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association
“Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association congratulates the three recipients of the Birthplace of Adventure Spark program. Advancements in tourism services, products, and experiences play a significant role in enhancing opportunities within our region. We look forward to seeing these innovative initiatives implemented in the market.”
Alex Berlyand, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
“We’re excited to support these three inspiring tourism entrepreneurs through the Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Program. Their ideas reflect the spirit of innovation and adventure that defines British Columbia, and we’re looking forward to helping bring their visions to life with mentorship and funding support.”
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Media Contacts:
Destination BC Media Relations
Email: [email protected]
Kathy Cooper, CEO, Kootenay Rockies Tourism
Phone: 250-427-4838 #201
Email: [email protected]
Alex Berlyand, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
Phone: 416-454-5215
Email: [email protected]
Social Media:
Destination BC
LinkedIn:@DestinationBritishColumbia
Kootenay Rockies Tourism
LinkedIn: @Kootenay-Rockies-Tourism
X: @KootRocks
Tourism Innovation Lab
LinkedIn: @TourismInnovationLab
Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada
Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada
X: @TourInnovation
ABOUT
About Destination BC
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice. For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit: http://www.DestinationBC.ca/
About Kootenay Rockies Tourism
As the Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO), we work closely and in alignment with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the provincial tourism Crown Corporation Destination BC. Kootenay Rockies Tourism supports and delivers Destination BC’s corporate strategy and the Ministry’s Strategic Tourism Framework representing and supporting over 850 tourism businesses and operators.
About the Tourism Innovation Lab
The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships, to cultivate and propel collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors, and to build a community of tourism innovators, idea makers and entrepreneurs. Launched in Ontario in 2018, the Lab and its “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions across Canada. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and has a BC home base in Squamish. Learn more at www.TourismInnovation.ca/.
About the Invest in Iconics Strategy
Through the creation of iconic place brands, together with experiential development across British Columbia, the Invest in Iconics Strategy aims to encourage travellers to explore more of the province in all seasons.
Learn more at www.DestinationBC.ca/iconics or www.supernaturalbc.com/places-routes/birthplace-adventure /
Email: [email protected]
