Peterborough and The Kawarthas Entrepreneurs Awarded Grants and Mentorships to Help Spark New Tourism Ideas

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Three finalists who made winning pitches for the second intake of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

photo courtesy of peterborough and the kawarthas tourism.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, with funding support from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario.

The program’s goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

“It's a privilege to work with these local tourism innovators. Our team looks forward to supporting the development of tourism products that give visitors new and engaging ways to explore Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

Ten applications were received, with the top five being invited to present their new tourism ideas at a virtual Pitch Session held on May 2. A panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and a tourism innovator from outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

The 2023 Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners are:

  • Connor McIlveen & Glyne Pease, Shamrock Acres (Rustic farm venue/event space)

  • Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Mystery agritourism and culinary experience)

  • Scott Williams, Wildflower Bakery (Sourdough bread-making workshops)

“We congratulate the second-round winners of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.

For more information, visit the website.

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Look At The Amazing Image Created To Greet Travel Media Association Of Canada Next Year

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) is hosting the 2015 Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Conference & AGM in Peterborough in June 2015—the first time the well known association has chosen to host its conference in a rural destination.

This is a huge opportunity to showcase Peterborough and the Kawarthas—and all it has to offer—to travel journalists, photographers and bloggers across the country.

PKT are using a striking image (see above) by local artist John Climenhage that represents Peterborough & the Kawarthas to be included on marketing and conference materials, the conference website, email communications and collateral.

The image showcases a variety of local experiences, landmarks and landscapes, and will become a signature art piece to display at the Visitor Centre located at 1400 Crawford Drive.

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Great Video From Peterborough Tourism On Discovering Culture Here

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[YouTube]

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