New Program Aims to “Spark” Innovative Tourism Ideas in Thompson Nicola

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Valemount, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, Explore Gold Country, Tourism Wells Gray, and the Tourism Innovation Lab. The program aims to spark and support innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia.

TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola.html

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to supplement additional partner support, to help bring new tourism ideas to the next level of development. The goal is to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

Applications can be submitted from September 27 to November 4, 2022 and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area including the communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Valemount, Clearwater, Blue River, Merritt, Lytton, Cache Creek, Clinton, and surrounding areas. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The “Spark” Program will support businesses and entrepreneurs in the area to bring new tourism experiences to life, which will help visitors experience the Thompson Nicola, benefitting the local community and residents.

For more information on the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program, including eligibility and upcoming Information sessions, visit TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola.html.

Quotes:

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
“We are thrilled to be awarding Spark grants and mentorships to three local tourism entrepreneurs in the Thompson Nicola area. It will be rewarding to see the winning initiatives come to life and enhance the availability of diverse tourism offerings in the local area.”

Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

“This is a tremendous opportunity for new tourism ideas to be realized in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan region. The “Spark” program enables and encourages those with innovative tourism concepts to have the chance to see them come to life. We are very excited that Destination BC has brought this opportunity to the Thompson Okanagan region.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We are excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in British Columbia in the Thompson Nicola area,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We are keen to spark and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the region’s tourism offerings and drive innovation.”