Twelve 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:

1. Annamarie Klippenstein, Similkameen Cider Festival
2. Deana Steele, Ro – Wellness Resort
3. Sara & John Elley, “Pioneer Nights at Echo Lake Resort”
4. Stephen Lathem, Nip&Tuck Goldmine
5. Liz Cohoe, Kootenay Rockies Artisans at Work Excursion Tour
6. Corinna Hamilton, Little Bearskin Den – Métis Experiences
7. Todd Davidson, Highway 3 Museum Tour
8. Jeremy Lebreton, Adventure Vehicle Rentals
9. Michael MacWilliams, Rainforest To Rockies: The Hunt
10. Lise Hines, BC a la carte Adventures
11. Pamela McGarel, Kootenay Rockies Self-Guided Tours
12. 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.

To read the full news release click here.

This Tourism Week 2024 Industry Toolkit was prepared as a joint project between the Tourism Industry Association of BC and Destination BC​. We trust it will provide you with valuable resources and assist you in developing new initiatives and ideas to implement during Tourism Week and beyond!

The 2024 Tourism Week Industry Toolkit contains the following resources for your use:

• BC Government Resources (April 13)
• Key Messaging
• Tourism Week Fact Sheet
• Suggested Social Media Posts
• Infographics and Graphic Tiles
• Value of Tourism Presentation Toolkit (April 11)
• Value of Tourism Videos
• Ideas to Celebrate Tourism Week
• go2HR Resources
• Sustainable Tourism Pledge 2030
• TIAC Resources

Note: This document will be updated as new tools, resources and information are made available. Please check back regularly on either TIABC or DBC websites.

Our friends at Destination BC have prepared a detailed and informative page with other funding, coaching and other related resources available to any entrepreneur or small business looking for additional support.

This is a great resource to keep handy, whether you are just starting something new, or growing your tourism initiative into something larger.

Learn more here.

The future of travel and tourism is sustainable, and you are invited to join the movement at IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism - ONTARIO: A Regional Event. This conference is being hosted by our partner the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).

Over the course of 2 days (plus a pre-conference day option), you'll engage with sustainability champions, tourism experts, and community leaders in Ontario & beyond, all committed to a more sustainable industry. Experience highlights like international best practices, invaluable resources, and new research in sustainable tourism.

For more information and to register visit the TIAO website.

Be inspired! Wanderlight Alpaca Experience is developing a new agritourism mystery experience in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.​

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.