Tourism mentorship program launched, seeking applicants

WINDSOR-ESSEX – After a successful pilot in 2018, a second round of the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab’s ‘Spark’ Mentorship & Grants Program has been launched in Windsor-Essex to encourage individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations to create new tourism ideas for the region.

The ‘Spark’ Program matches selected applicants with a mentor and provides a $3,000 grant to help take their tourism initiatives 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, motivate travel and increase visits year-round.

Organizers are especially interested in ideas that incorporate sustainability, connect with technology, and showcase our diverse communities, history and people.

Applications are being accepted until November 30 at tourisminnovation.ca/WindsorEssex.

Following a review process, top applicants will be invited to a Finalists’ Pitch Session, where three winners will be selected.

Innovation in the tourism industry is critical for the region to respond, adapt and recover from the significant impacts of the evolving travel landscape as the result of the COVID-19 health and economic crises.

“During this pandemic, bringing the Spark Program back to Windsor- Essex, acts as a catalyst for causing trailblazers within the industry to come together,” says Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island CEO Gordon Orr. “The end result will be the generation of new ideas and experiences which will shed light on the versatility and opportunities that can be had for visitors and locals alike.”

The Windsor-Essex ‘Spark’ Program is a partnership between the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab and founding partners Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport Tourism & CultureIndustries, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, and Libro Credit Union.