A tourism development program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative new tourism ideas in the Sea to Sky region was announced today by Tourism Squamish, Destination BC, the Tourism Innovation Lab and a number of local partners.
The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is designed to help tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations overcome challenges and barriers often experienced in bringing new tourism products to life.
Previous program participants in other jurisdictions have included water-based ecotours, agritourism initiatives, Indigenous tourism programs, wine and culinary workshops, interactive walking tours, virtual experiences, aerial adventures, winter glamping retreats, nature orientated vacation packages, and more.
The goal is to find, foster and support innovative tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits along the Sea to Sky corridor.
The program works by matching selected applicants with a tourism mentor, providing a $3,000 seed grant as well as additional partner support to help develop new tourism experiences.
Applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in the Sea to Sky region, from September 1 to October 6, 2021.
Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.
“Tourism Squamish is thrilled to be participating in this program and keen to spark and support new ideas that will help to create opportunities for the tourism industry and address gaps in our current offerings to make tourism in the Sea to Sky region more innovative, diverse and sustainable. We encourage everyone who has an idea to learn more and consider applying,” said Lesley Weeks.
