Entrepreneurs Awarded Grants and Mentorships to Help Spark New Tourism Ideas in BC
Twelve (12) finalists who made winning pitches for the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.
The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between Destination BC, the Tourism Innovation Lab, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region.
The first Iconic brand to launch from Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy, Rainforest to Rockies takes visitors from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies. It’s an iconic Canadian journey along ever-changing landscapes, inspiring travellers to visit more places in the province.
The “Spark” program’s goal was to find, advance, and support new tourism ideas that enhance the experience of the road-trip traveller along the Rainforest to Rockies corridors in BC, in one or more of the following ways:
- Motivate travellers along the route to slow down, stay longer, and explore along the way
- Address gaps in tourism products and services by offering something that does not yet exist or is in demand
- Share or convey captivating stories about the place, providing an opportunity for the visitor to connect with the destination in a meaningful way
Overall, 40 applications were received, with the top 20 being invited to present their new tourism ideas at four virtual Pitch Sessions. A judge panel of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region selected the 12 winning applicants.
The 2024 Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Program winners are:
- Annamarie Klippenstein, Similkameen Cider Festival
- Deana Steele, Ro – Wellness Resort
- Sara & John Elley, “Pioneer Nights at Echo Lake Resort”
- Stephen Lathem, Nip&Tuck Goldmine
- Liz Cohoe, Kootenay Rockies Artisans at Work Excursion Tour
- Corinna Hamilton, Little Bearskin Den – Métis Experiences
- Todd Davidson, Highway 3 Museum Tour
- Jeremy Lebreton, Adventure Vehicle Rentals
- Michael MacWilliams, Rainforest To Rockies: The Hunt
- Lise Hines, BC a la carte Adventures
- Pamela McGarel, Kootenay Rockies Self-Guided Tours
- Christina Metherall, Squamish Discovery Tours
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.
This program helps tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in BC align with Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy, transforming the way BC is seen through the eyes of travellers around the world.
For more information, visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/R2R.
QUOTES
Hon. Lana Popham, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Congratulations to all the winners of the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program! Your innovative ideas significantly enhance tourism offerings and services, enriching the experience for visitors as they road trip across BC. This contributes to community development, benefits local economies, supports sustainable economic growth, and connects visitors with memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression and compel visitors to keep returning to our beautiful province.”
Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
“We are excited to be supporting local tourism entrepreneurs along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route by awarding “Spark” grants and mentorships that will create new high-quality tourism offerings, encouraging visitors to explore further, stay longer, and establish meaningful connections to destinations across BC. Congratulations to all the winners as you spark the path forward by enhancing the road-trip traveller experience, providing visitors with compelling reasons to explore BC.”
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
“We congratulate the winners of the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.
Media Contacts:
Destination BC Media Relations
Email: [email protected]
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab, 416-712-8819
Email: [email protected]
Social Media:
Destination BC
LinkedIn:@DestinationBritishColumbia
Twitter: @DestinationBC
Tourism Innovation Lab
LinkedIn: @TourismInnovationLab
Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada
Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada
Twitter: @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 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 more seasons.
Learn more at www.DestinationBC.ca/iconics or www.HelloBC.com/Rainforest-to-Rockies
Instagram: @RainforestToRockies
Email: [email protected]
