We heard it all from travel apps to giant Adirondack chairs and everything in between, and the winner is taking guests out of this world.
IGNITE Atlantic hosted the 2023 Rural Nova Scotia Tourism Innovation Pitch Competition Finals during the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) Annual Summit. Winners from four regional competitions held this fall presented their ideas to a panel of tourism experts in hopes of securing funding and support. There were no losing pitches, and the sky was the literally the limit for the winner, Tim Doucette of Deep Sky Eye Observatory and president of the Starlight Development Society.
The challenge Tim faced was giving guests the ability to view the night sky even when it is cloudy. His innovation – a planetarium – will give guests the opportunity to explore the stars regardless of the weather.
“Astro-tourism is a viable industry here in Nova Scotia. Winning this competition helps to validate my project’s viability and helps to fund its next phase. I'll continue researching and planning the planetarium project, seeking mentorship, and formulating a business plan to secure additional funding.”
Developing pitches required entrepreneurs to consider criteria of Innovation and Creativity, Value Proposition, Competitive Advantage, Financial Projections and Viability, and Pitch Presentation and Communication.
Other finalists:
Dome & Vine – Sam Thompson
Expanding on their Melmerby Adventures tourism experience with accommodations, amenities, and a vineyard.
Scots Bay Wilderness Society – Ann Doyle Huntley
Developing a concept of partnering with the Scots Bay community and operating businesses for ticketing events and experiences so the area can add value to visitors of Cape Split and Scots Bay provincial parks.
Folklore Cottages – Cassie Deveau
Celebrating Cape Breton’s 4-season beauty and natural landscape with accommodations, event venues, and experience’s that appeal to ‘Free Spirits’ looking for outdoor adventure and immersive travel.
Each regional winner will receive $1,000 to help fund their project, with an additional cash prize for the overall winner. Pitches from each region also receive a one-hour individual coaching session with advisors from Tourism Nova Scotia. Congratulations to everyone who brought forward their inspired ideas!