The Tourism Innovation Lab is proud to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting inspiring Black tourism entrepreneurs and winners of our "Spark" Program, who are launching exciting new tourism businesses and initiatives.

One of our 2024 Black Tourism "Spark" Program winners is Ryan Richardson, the founder of W.E. Ride & Dine, a Black history, culture, and food tour company based in Windsor, Ontario. Ryan's passion for sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Black community comes alive through his immersive tours.

Join Ryan on his next tour, happening Saturday, February 22nd. The experience will include a visit to the North Is Freedom exhibit at Art Windsor-Essex, delicious food tastings at local Black-owned restaurants, and an insightful Black history tour of the area. Tickets are limited—get yours today at www.WERideAndDine.com or here​.

Stay tuned to our socials for more Black tourism entrepreneur and innovator highlights.

The BC Tourism Industry Conference 2025 is being held March 5th to 7th in Vancouver. Be sure to join the Tourism Innovation Lab and Destination BC for an inspiring 1-hour breakout session celebrating the entrepreneurial journeys.

Tourism for All: Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey
March 6, 11:30 AM -12:30 PM

Highlighting the success of the Rainforest to Rockies "Spark" Program, this session showcases how tourism entrepreneurs are bringing creative ideas to life while aligning with Destination BC’s Iconics brand strategy.

Hear firsthand from several BC "Spark" Program winners and learn about the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and branding in driving regional and local tourism innovation. Gain valuable insights and be inspired to embrace the journey of entrepreneurship in tourism.

Session Speakers:

• Aimee Epp, Destination BC, Senior Project Manager
• Alex Berlyand, Tourism Innovation Lab, BC Programs Lead
• Jeremy Lebreton, Outland, Founder
• Pascal Pillon, DROPLET Trailers, Founder
• Sara Spearman, Echo Lake Resort, Owner

Register for the BC Tourism Conference 2025.

Catching up on shoutouts to some amazing entrepreneurs and tourism innovators across the province, we have recently completed two pitch sessions and are excited to announce 6 new BC "Spark" Program winners:

Sunshine Coast "Spark" Program

Ryan Barfoot, Orcas Saunas
Tourism Idea: Wellness on the Water

Johanna Jackson
Tourism Idea: Ride Mount Mahony

Sunshine Coast Pride Society
Tourism Idea: This Tournament has Everything Dance

Boundary Country "Spark" Program

Lisa Houston, Christina Pines Campground
Tourism Idea: Christina Lake Sauna Experience

Carissa Boynton
Tourism Idea: Hotel Midway Tourism & Community Hub

Christina Lake Arts and Artisans Society
Tourism Idea: Christina Lake Mushroom Festival

Each will receive $3,000, mentorship, and additional partner support to help them take their tourism initiatives to the next level.

Thank you to our presenting partner Destination BC and collaborative partners Sunshine Coast Tourism, Community Futures Sunshine Coast, Community Futures Powell River, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Boundary Country Tourism, Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Boundary, Trails to the Boundary Society, Christina Lake Tourism and Discover Grand Forks for helping us bring these programs to life and supporting tourism entrepreneurship in the area.

In January, we held a virtual pitch session to hear from finalists of the 2nd round of the Black Tourism "Spark" Program.

Congratulations to all of our finalists for their outstanding pitches and for showcasing such innovative and inspiring tourism ideas for Ontario's Southwest and The Heart of Ontario (Hamilton Halton Brant).

We are thrilled to announce the winners:

Osen Pogoson, Lohifa Pogoson Acker & Era Pogoson, SenFaRa
Tourism Idea: Global Flavors, Local Essence: The Social Cafe

Teajai Travis, Sacred Story Studio
Tourism Idea: The Blaze of Story Road Show

Terri Bedminster & Aaron Perry, Hamilton Black History Council
Tourism Idea: Journeys Through Time Bus Tours

Each will receive $3,000 in seed funding, $2,000 in tech adoption support, and mentorship to help turn their tourism ideas into reality! Stay tuned for updates on their exciting journeys as they bring their unique visions to life.

Thank you to our amazing judges, Black Tourism Working Group and partner organizations – we are honoured to collaborate, support and celebrate Black tourism entrepreneurs and initiatives in this region!

• ​​Southern Ontario Tourism Conference (Mar. 3-5, Brantford)
• BC Tourism Industry Conference (Mar. 5-7, Vancouver)
  
• IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism – ONTARIO: A Regional Event (May 4-6, Waterloo)​

​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.