We are still buzzing from all of the incredible energy of last week’s BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria. What an inspiring and rewarding two days! Thank you to TIABC for putting on an amazing event and inviting the Tourism Innovation Lab.​

We would also like to thank everyone who came to our session on Mar. 7th, “Stimulating Tourism Innovation in BC”, co-hosted together with Aimee Epp from Destination BC. A special thank you goes out to our amazing panel of speakers: two inspiring past “Spark” winners Lise Hines (Chew on This Tasty Tours) and Rebecca Mason (Laugh Out Live), past “Spark” mentor Dr. Rachel Dodds​ and Saeed Golzar, CEO of Airble. You’ve all brought unique perspectives and inspired us with your stories of entrepreneurship and success.

Finally, we would like to congratulate Tourism New Westminster as the winner of the Innovation Award at the BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala, sponsored by the Tourism Innovation Lab. A big shoutout also goes out to all the other award winners and finalists. You have all done so much to get to where you are, and you should feel proud for all of your inspiring achievements.

The application intake for the Rainforest to Rockies "Spark" Program​ is now officially closed and all applications are currently under review by multiple review juries from tourism organization partners. 

Stay tuned and keep an eye on your inbox towards the end of March to be notified if you have been selected as one of our "Spark" finalists to be invited to a virtual Pitch Session in April.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” program, offered in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, provides selected applicants with $3,000 in seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support to help them launch their new tourism idea.

Past recipients from the region included agritourism, culinary experiences, camping equipment rentals, a bunkie resort, Indigenous experiences, a farm venue, as well as an immersive maple syrup experience.

Individuals, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups are encouraged to apply for their new tourism ideas until March 19, 2024.

Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

Visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/Peterborough​ for full details.
Apply by March 19th!
​

The Tourism Innovation Lab and Futurpreneur are thrilled to come together to offer a FREE interactive, hands-on virtual workshop for new tourism entrepreneurs!

Join us on March 26th for “The Path to Success for Tourism Entrepreneurs”. You will learn key steps to launch your tourism business, and strategies to take it to the next level.

We invite "Spark" Program recipients, applicants and start-up tourism entrepreneurs to join us!

Register Here.​

Shtataha, Gwetomnidict! Congratulations to our 2024 Indigenous Tourism Skode Program winners:

- Grand Prize Winner: Paula Naponse, Ondarez Clothing and Goods (Anishnawbek Aadiziwin: The Art of Anishnawbe Ways)
- Dan Tice (Anung Manitou), Mino Bimaadiziwin (Mino Bimaadiziwin)
- Chatnie Herne, Poptronic (Poptronic VR Rentals)
- Johnny Hawke, Gdo Naaganina (Gdo Naaganina Mobile Heritage Centre)
- Justin McGregor (McGregor Bay Tours)
- Nina Trudeau, Naanokaazii Designs (Naanokaazii Designs)

Each will receive $5,000 and mentorship to advance their Indigenous tourism initiatives and businesses to the next level. Our Grand Prize winner Paula Naponse will also receive an additional $20,000! Stay tuned for updates on their progress.

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions in British Columbia and Ontario in 2024. Stay tuned for announcements. 

​Join our "Spark" Mentor Network and support up-and-coming and early stage tourism innovators in Canada by providing advice and guidance to help them take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. Contact us at [email protected]​ for more information on the program and how you can be a mentor.