Midhurst/April 6, 2022 – A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in Simcoe County was officially announced today. The “Spark » Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help take their new tourism idea to the next level.
The “Spark » Program was first launched in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now been delivered in over 20 regions across Ontario and British Columbia. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, increase year-round visits. Program organizers are especially interested in ideas that will advance sustainable and regenerative tourism in Simcoe County.
Individual entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits and community groups are encouraged to apply with their new tourism ideas for Simcoe County from April 6th to May 12th, 2022. Following a juried review process, five finalists will be invited to virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected to receive mentorships and grants.
The Simcoe County “Spark » Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration with Tourism Simcoe County and Regional Tourism Organization 7.
For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/SimcoeCounty.
Quotes
“The County of Simcoe is proud of its small businesses and the innovations they bring to the region. The ‘Spark’ Program is especially exciting in that it brings new tourism ideas to promote and enhance Simcoe County all year. I look forward to seeing the ideas pouring in and increased tourism to our beautiful region. »
~ George Cornell, Warden, County of Simcoe
“We are beyond thrilled to be launching the “Spark » Program by Innovation Lab in Simcoe County. We have some of the most unique tourism product offerings and operators, and are truly looking forward to seeing the ideas and experiences developed through this program. »
~ Kathryn Stephenson, Manager of Tourism, County of Simcoe
“We are eager to continue our relationship with Innovation Lab and welcome Simcoe County as a new partner to this program. The stimulus that the “Spark » Program ignites in the pioneering spirit of tourism entrepreneurs benefits the business community and will help with the continued recovery of the tourism industry within Simcoe County and Region 7″.
~Bill Sullivan, RTO7
“We are very excited to be launching the “Spark » Program in Simcoe County. Innovative tourism ideas brought forward by entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations will elevate Simcoe County’s tourism offerings and experiences and inspire travel to the region. »
~ Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
About Tourism Simcoe County
Tourism Simcoe County (TSC) promotes Simcoe County as a four season destination of choice by developing products and experiences and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns across a variety of multimedia platforms. TSC provides tourism leadership throughout Simcoe County by developing the local tourism industry and forging and strengthening community partnerships. TSC is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism assets, including, but not limited to, Agritourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Tourism, Indigenous Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.
About 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 in Canada. First launched in 2018, the Lab and its « Spark » Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions in British Columbia and Ontario. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and is based at the University of Windsor-EPICentre.
– 30 –
CONTACTS
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca
Justin Lafontaine
Program Lead
Tourism Innovation Lab
416-712-8819
info@tourisminnovation.ca
Kim Clarke
Manager, Stakeholder Relations
Regional Tourism Organization 7
519-379-2506
kclarke@rto7.ca
Social Media | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Tourism Simcoe County | Tourism Innovation Lab | RTO7 | |
@experiencesimcoecounty | @tourisminnovationcanada | @RTO7Connection | |
@experiencesimcoecounty | @tourisminnovationcanada | @RTO7Connection | |
@simcoecountyTSC | @tourinnovation | @RTO7Connection | |