New program aims to boost innovation in local tourism

Tourism industry associates in Simcoe County have re-launched a program aiming to enhance innovation and support tourism ideas benefiting to the local industry.

Originally launched by Tourism Innovation Lab back in 2018, the program offered $3.000 grants to help innovative ideas develop to the next level. The Spark Mentorship and Grants Program was available across Ontario and British Columbia.

The program is now back on its tracks.

“We are super excited. The goal is to support new tourism ideas, innovators and entrepreneurs from across Simcoe County,” commented Justin Lafontaine from Tourism Innovation Lab.

County of Simcoe tourism manager Kathryn Stephenson also added:

“We know our friends in Bruce County have done it with great success. We are really excited to be able to take part in it. It’s great we can partner on this program that is mentoring business. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun — and fun is important.

“We have the outdoors, culture, agritourism — we have so much going on and so many good partners and we value our partnership above all".

The program’s target is to encourage applicants to present their ideas on boosting both Simcoe County’s tourism and revenue, considerably affected by the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Spark Program aligns and complements the post-COVID recovery initiatives for the tourism and hospitality sector, whether you are a new startup or established small business, a not-for-profit organization or an individual, the challenges and obstacles faced when bringing a new tourism idea or concept to fruition can be overwhelming.

“This innovative program supports new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships to cultivate and propel collaborations”, declared Jill Dunlop from Simcoe North.

All tourism industry partners are invited to apply to the program until the 12th of May. Five finalists will be selected and, in the end, three winners will be provided with $3.000 grants and a three-month long free mentorship in order to implement their tourism-related goals.

"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", concluded the CEO of Regional Tourism Organization 7, Bill Sullivan.

Source: bradfordtoday.ca