New Program Aims to “Spark” Innovative Tourism Ideas in the Cowichan Region

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Cowichan Region was officially announced today by local and provincial tourism partners.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor, provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their 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 are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Cowichan Region from September 5 to November 12. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The “Spark” Program was first launched in Ontario in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now expanded to several regions across British Columbia.

The Cowichan “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with 4TVI, Tourism Cowichan and the Tourism Innovation Lab. For more information on the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions visit TourismInnovation.ca/Cowichan

QUOTES

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC

“The Cowichan ‘Spark’ Program is a collaborative initiative which will be a catalyst for fresh tourism ideas that will strengthen the local economy, enhance visitor experiences, and create new opportunities for year-round exploration in BC. By supporting local entrepreneurs, we’re laying the groundwork for innovation and sustainable tourism growth in the region.”

Brian Cant, President, 4TVI 

“Tourism and hospitality are a space where innovative and thought-provoking ideas thrive, and we are excited to welcome the Spark program to the Cowichan Region.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We are excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in the Cowichan Region,” 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.” 

MEDIA CONTACTS

4TVI
Brian Cant, President, 4TVI: 250-888-8729
Email: [email protected]

Tourism Cowichan Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Destination BC Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab, 416-712-8819
Email: [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA

4TVI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4vigroup/ 

Tourism Cowichan
Instagram: @cowichantourism
Facebook: @tourismcowichan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourism-cowichan/

Destination BC
Twitter: @DestinationBC
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destinationbritishcolumbia 

Tourism Innovation Lab
LinkedIn: @tourisminnovationcanada
Facebook: @tourisminnovationcanada
Instagram: @tourisminnovationcanada
Twitter: @tourinnovation

About 4TVI
Part of the 4VI Social Enterprise Group, 4TVI is a non-profit corporation that supports the needs of First Nations, residents, and tourism businesses through government-funded work in the Vancouver Island Region. Learn more at forvi.ca 

About Tourism Cowichan

Tourism Cowichan Society is an industry-led destination management organization that supports and contributes to a sustainable future for tourism in the Cowichan Region through regional marketing campaigns, industry development, and destination management. To learn more, please visit tourismcowichan.com/about/

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: http://www.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 www.TourismInnovation.ca/.