Valleys & Vineyards “Spark” Program Winners Announced in the Thompson Okanagan, Creating New Tourism Experiences

VANCOUVER – Three finalists who made winning pitches for the Valleys & Vineyards “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 Valleys & Vineyards “Spark” Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between Destination British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan 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 Refined Globetrotters – travellers motivated by world-class destinations, fine dining, and the history and authentic charm of new places – and other visitors to the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

The Valleys & Vineyards “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Savannah Swaisland – The Land & Legacy Experience
• Carly Cameron – Okanagan Unplugged
• Shannon Clark – Colour Your Visit – An Interactive Art Adventure

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/valleysandvineyards.html 

QUOTES

Hon. Anne Kang, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

“The ‘Spark’ Program shines a spotlight on the innovators and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our tourism industry throughout the province. Congratulations to the Valleys & Vineyards winners—visionaries whose creativity, rooted in community, has enhanced tourism experiences that bring people together, showcase the beauty of our region, and strengthen local economies. Their achievements remind us that when passion meets purpose, the impact reaches far beyond tourism—it enriches lives and inspires us all.”

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC

“Congratulations to the Valleys & Vineyards “Spark” Program winners for their innovation and commitment to developing new tourism ideas that inspire deeper connections and enhance the visitor experience across the Okanagan.” 

Ellen Walker-Matthews CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association 

“Through the Valleys & Vineyards ‘Spark’ Program, we’ve seen how new ideas can transform the visitor experience and strengthen our regional story. The Refined Globetrotter seeks authenticity, culture, and connection—all beautifully reflected in the creativity of our program participants. Their projects will leave a lasting impact on both visitors and the communities who welcome them.”

Alex Berlyand, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We’re excited to support these three inspiring tourism entrepreneurs through the Valleys & Vineyards “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]

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Communications
Email: [email protected]

Alex Berlyand, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab, 416-454-5215
Email: [email protected]

Social Media:

Destination BC
LinkedIn:@DestinationBritishColumbia

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
LinkedIn: @TOTABCNews
Facebook: @TOTABCNews
X: @TOTABCNews

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 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. Learn more at www.TOTABC.org.

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 https://www.supernaturalbc.com/places-routes/valleys-vineyards/ 

Email: [email protected]