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RAINFOREST TO ROCKIES “SPARK" PROGRAMWhether you are an individual, a start-up, or an established small business or non-profit organization, there can be many challenges and barriers to bringing a new tourism idea, experience, or partnership to fruition.
We want to help. The “Spark" Program will match selected candidates with a tourism mentor, and provide seed funds to help take their new tourism idea to the next level of development or implementation. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 1, 2024
The program includes:
Selected applicants will receive:
All program applicants will be invited to join our “Spark" community of tourism innovators, idea makers, partners, and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one's, and development workshops. Rainforest to Rockies “Spark" Application GuideWho Can Apply?
Applicants must be based in British Columbia and be one of the following:
What Are We Looking For?
New tourism ideas that enhance the experience of the road-trip traveller along British Columbia’s Rainforest to Rockies corridors, in one or more of the following ways:
Conceptual map of the Rainforest to Rockies journey
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how your tourism idea supports economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Ideas that support or advance principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are strongly encouraged.
Info Sessions / WebinarsInterested in applying to the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark" Program? Register for an upcoming info session (webinar) to learn more:
What is “Rainforest to Rockies? "Rainforest to Rockies is the first iconic route brand that has launched as part of the Invest in Iconics Strategy, which is Destination BC’s long-term strategy to responsibly increase the benefits of tourism throughout British Columbia through the integration of place branding, destination development, and experience development to competitively differentiate BC on the world stage.
Rainforest to Rockies is the quintessential Canadian journey along ever-changing landscapes from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. We want to encourage visitors to:
Read more about the target Rainforest to Rockies traveller. How to ApplyThere are two (2) steps to apply to the “Spark" program:
1. Complete the online application form. We recommend you draft your responses first in a separate document, save it, and then copy and paste your final answers into the online form when ready to submit. 2. Record and upload a short video. Upload a file or link to a short, unedited, unproduced video (one minute long, maximum) introducing yourself, your small business, non-profit organization or community group, and your new tourism idea. Following a juried review of applications, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Program winners will be selected.
Definitions & ExamplesTourism idea: Experiences, products, and partnerships that motivate travel to your area by people living more than 40 km away, across the provincial border or internationally, and provide engagement, participation, purchasing and/or travel related opportunities while they are visiting.
New: An idea that is in the ideation stage, has just been created, is under development, or has been promoted/offered publicly for six (6) months or less. Experiences: Opportunities for visitors to engage, participate, interact, learn, and explore an area to get a local understanding and broader awareness of a destination, often combining different elements (e.g., farmers market tour followed by a culinary class led by a local chef) Product: Buyable goods and services related to tourism in the area (e.g., accommodations, attractions, tours, ticketed events, travel packages, and other tourism bundles) Collaborative partnerships: Two or more businesses/organizations working together to promote and/or deliver a new tourism related experience or product (e.g., Metro Zoo + Cycling Group = “Jungle Ride” event) Sustainable Tourism: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. World Tourism Organization Diversity: The range of human differences, including but not limited to, race, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, religion, marital status, family status, or physical ability or attributes. Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people. Destination BC seeks to support equity by actively identifying and removing all barriers for equity-seeking groups such as women, members of visible minority groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Inclusion: Involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. Accessibility: Removing barriers to increase inclusion and independence for everyone. Barriers include things such as attitudinal barriers, physical barriers, information and communication barriers, systemic barriers, technologic barriers, or sensory barriers. Questions about applying to the Rainforest to Rockies Spark Program? Please contact us:
Alex Berlyand, Project Coordinator, Tourism Innovation Lab, outreach@tourisminnovation.ca |
Learn more about the Tourism Innovation Lab