Indigenous Tourism Innovators Awarded “Spark” Grants and Mentorships Across BC

Press Release

Coast Salish Territories / Vancouver, BC (February 11, 2022) – Destination BC, as the presenting partner of the British Columbia Tourism Innovation Lab, has announced the winners of the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program in British Columbia. The three winners were each awarded a $5,000 grant, a three-month mentorship, and additional partner support to help them develop their Indigenous tourism ideas.

Over the fall, Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations across British Columbia were encouraged to submit Indigenous tourism ideas to enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

The top five finalists presented their Indigenous tourism ideas at a virtual pitch session held on February 10, 2022. A judging panel of partner representatives and an Indigenous tourism entrepreneur selected the three winning applicants.

The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program 2022 winners are:

• Chelsea Jones – Dug Out Canoes
• Dora Demers – Big Bar Guest Ranch
• Ryan Leask – Wyld North Outfitters

The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program is presented by Destination BC in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC and additional support from TD Bank.

For more information visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/itbc

QUOTES

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC “We are pleased to be awarding “Spark” grants and mentorships to three Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs. It will be exciting to see these winning initiatives come to fruition and build upon BC’s remarkable Indigenous tourism offerings.”

Brenda Baptiste, Board Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC  “Thank you to all ITBC “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program participants–Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations who stepped forward to share a sample of Indigenous excellence. Congratulations to the winners. We hope these mentorships and grants will support your skill and dedication to innovation in Indigenous tourism in BC.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab. “We congratulate the 3 winners of the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting Indigenous tourism initiatives across British Columbia”.

Media Contacts:

Indigenous Tourism BC
Nine Point Agency | www.ninepointagency.com
Kaya Arai | kaya@ninepointagency.com
Kerry Hittinger | kerry@ninepointagency.com

Destination BC Media Relations
Email: Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
Phone: 416-712-8819
Email: info@tourisminnovation.ca

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