MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov 13, 2024
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia – Local and provincial tourism partners launched a new program in the Sunshine Coast/qathet region today, aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the area.
The Sunshine Coast “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor, provide $3,000 in seed funds, and offer additional partner support to bring their new tourism ideas to life.
The goal is to find, advance, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, increase year-round visits, and encourage collaboration between tourism operators.
Applications are encouraged from tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Sunshine Coast/qathet region from November 13 to December 12. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.
Iterations of the “Spark” Program have been offered in other jurisdictions in British Columbia in collaboration with Destination BC, the Tourism Innovation Lab, and regional and provincial partners since 2021, supporting 45 entrepreneurs to date with new successful tourism initiatives around the province.
The Sunshine Coast “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Tourism, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, Community Futures Sunshine Coast, Community Futures Powell River, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.
For more information about the Sunshine Coast “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit tourisminnovation.ca/sunshinecoast.
QUOTES
Annie Wise, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Tourism
“We’re excited to partner on this opportunity to highlight the incredible talent and creativity across the Sunshine Coast. By connecting local entrepreneurs with mentors and resources, we can uncover innovative tourism ideas that address challenges and build on the remarkable experiences offered to our visitors. I can’t wait to see what amazing projects emerge from this collaboration!”
Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
"The Spark Program embodies the collaborative spirit and innovative drive that propel British Columbia’s tourism industry. By supporting the development of new ideas through Spark, we’re investing in a thriving future for BC communities through tourism, with authentic experiences that draw visitors back and enhance the quality of life for residents."
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Destination BC to bring the “Spark” Program to the Sunshine Coast. This initiative will help bring fresh new tourism ideas that enhance the visitor experience and encourage innovative growth in the Sunshine Coast / qathet Region.”
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Media Contacts:
Sunshine Coast Tourism Media Relations
Email: media@sunshinecoastcanada.com
Destination BC Media Relations
Email: Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab, 416.712.8819
Email: info@tourisminnovation.ca
Social Media:
Sunshine Coast Tourism
LinkedIn: @SunshineCoastTourism
Facebook: @SunshineCoastTourismBC
Instagram: @sunshinecoastbc
Destination BC
LinkedIn: @DestinationBritishColumbia
Twitter: @DestinationBC
Tourism Innovation Lab
LinkedIn: @TourismInnovationLab
Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada
Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada
Twitter: @TourInnovation
ABOUT
About Sunshine Coast Tourism
Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is a non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) established in 2008 to promote and manage BC’s Sunshine Coast as an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers. The organization’s mandate is to cultivate a sustainable year-round tourism economy while protecting and respecting the region’s natural environment and cultural diversity. SCT is committed to facilitating the evolution of the Sunshine Coast/qathet region as a travel destination that is consistent with the values of the Indigenous communities, residents, local businesses, and stakeholders across the region. For more information, please visit sunshinecoastcanada.com/about-us.
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: DestinationBC.ca.
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 TourismInnovation.ca.