Congratulations Sunshine Coast “Spark” Program Winners!

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia – Three (3) finalists who made winning pitches for the Sunshine Coast “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas. 

The Sunshine Coast “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Tourism, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, Community Futures Sunshine Coast, Community Futures Powell River, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

The program’s goal was to find, advance and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits to the Sunshine Coast/qathet region.

The Sunshine Coast “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Ryan Barfoot – Lake Haven Sauna: Wellness on the Water
• Johanna Jackson – Ride Mount Mahony
• Adriana Lademann – This Tournament has Everything Dance

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/sunshinecoast

QUOTES

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC

“Congratulations to the finalists of the Sunshine Coast/qathet SPARK Program for their innovative ideas and dedication to enhancing local tourism experiences. These inspiring initiatives will help create new opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the region, while supporting our collective goal of a thriving, year-round visitor economy that benefits communities across British Columbia.”

Annie Wise, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Tourism

“Congratulations to the winners of the Sunshine Coast ‘Spark’ Program! Their innovative ideas are not only exciting but also directly address key needs in our region, helping to enhance the visitor experience during our shoulder seasons. By supporting these new ideas and entrepreneurs, we hope to encourage longer stays, attract more year-round visitors, and fill gaps in our tourism offerings—creating lasting impact for our local businesses and community. “

Alex Berlyand, BC Programs Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We’re excited to be partnering with Destination BC to bring the “Spark” Program to the Sunshine Coast. This initiative is designed to uncover and support fresh tourism ideas that elevate the visitor experience and drive innovative growth across the Sunshine Coast and qathet Region.”

MEDIA CONTACTS

Sunshine Coast Tourism
Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Destination BC
Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Tourism Innovation Lab
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead
Email: [email protected] 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Sunshine Coast Tourism
LinkedIn: @SunshineCoastTourism
Facebook: @SunshineCoastTourismBC
Instagram: @sunshinecoastbc

Destination BC
LinkedIn:@DestinationBritishColumbia
Twitter: @DestinationBC

Tourism Innovation Lab
LinkedIn: @TourismInnovationLab
Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada
Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada
Twitter: @TourInnovation

ABOUT

About Sunshine Coast Tourism
Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is a non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) established in 2008 to promote and manage BC’s Sunshine Coast as an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers. The organization’s mandate is to cultivate a sustainable year-round tourism economy while protecting and respecting the region’s natural environment and cultural diversity. SCT is committed to facilitating the evolution of the Sunshine Coast/qathet region as a travel destination that is consistent with the values of the Indigenous communities, residents, local businesses, and stakeholders across the region. For more information, please visit www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/about-us

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 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/.