west end tourism challenge

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20th Annual Tourism Challenge Kicks Off

The last year has been a challenging one for the tourism & hospitality industry to say the least, however, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. This summer it will be important to get back out into the community and explore everything that Vancouver has to offer!

The West End is participating in the Tourism Challenge as part of the Build Back Tourism 2021  program for the 6th year, and we are proud and excited to welcome everyone to our amazing neighbourhood.

The Build Back Tourism program, is a seasonal opportunity for staff and volunteers actively working at the attractions, hotels and partner locations to explore local attractions and #LoveVancouver from May 1 – September 30, 2021.

This event is proudly supported by the Vancouver Attractions Group , Tourism Vancouver , and the Vancouver Hotel Association .

We invite Tourism Challenge participants to explore our “Three Great Streets” – Davie Street , Denman Street , and Robson Street . Our neighbourhood’s close proximity to English Bay , Stanley Park , and the downtown core is matched with a diverse and colourful community of amazing people.

To earn your West End stamps:

• Take a photo of yourself at two of three artful locations in the neighbourhood. Your choices: 1. The It’s Love Baby Mural at the corner of Davie Street and Thurlow Street 2. The A-maze-ing Laughter art piece at English Bay 3. Jasper , located at the corner of Robson Street and Jervis Street

Next, make your way to one of our partnering businesses and show them your photo to receive your three stamps!

We have three stamp locations to choose from:

• Peaked Pies – 975 Denman Street. Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
• The Quick Nickel – 1736 Davie Street. Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sunday from 12:00pm to 7:00pm.
• Garden Health – 1204 Davie Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday from 11:00am to 6:00pm

Don’t forget to tag us in any photos you share on Instagram at @westendbia !

For more information on the Tourism Challenge, visit: www.tourismchallenge.ca

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EEEK18th Annual Tourism Challenge Kicks Off

2018 marks the 18th Annual Tourism Challenge , which brings 29,000 tourism professionals and volunteers together from April 21 to May 31, 2018. This event is proudly supported by the Vancouver Attractions Group , Tourism Vancouver , and the Vancouver Hotel Association .

The West End is participating in the Tourism Challenge as part of the Discover Your Neighbourhood program for the 4th year, and is proud and excited to welcome everyone to our amazing neighbourhood.

We invite Tourism Challenge participants to explore our “Three Great Streets” – Davie Street , Denman Street , and Robson Street . Our neighbourhood’s close proximity to English Bay , Stanley Park , and the downtown core is matched with a diverse and colourful community of amazing people.

Go to Jim Deva Plaza located at the corner of Davie and Bute Streets to figure out the secret phrase. Next, make your way to one of our partnering businesses and say the phrase to receive your TWO West End stamps.

We have five stamp locations to choose from:

• Peaked Pies – 975 Denman Street. Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
• The Quick Nickel – 1778 Davie Street. Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sunday from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
• Styo Dessert – 907 Denman Street. Open Monday to Friday from 4:00pm to 10:30pm, and 1:00 pm to 10:30pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Cup Sushi & Burrito – 903 Denman St reet.  Open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am to 9:00pm, Friday from 11:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 2:00pm to 9:00pm
• 3 Quarters Full – 1789 Comox S treet. Open daily (except on Tuesdays) from 9:00am to 6:30pm.

For more information on the Tourism Challenge, visit: www.tourismchallenge.ca

The Top 12 Things to Do in London's West End

 TripSavvy / Gautier Houba 

London is a vast, sprawling metropolis . Because it was once a collection of separate towns and villages or "boroughs," it developed pockets of attractions and activities from one end of the public transportation system to the other, and beyond. Still, it's the West End with its concentration of entertainment, shopping, restaurants, bars, famous parks, and historic attractions that lures both visitors and locals looking for a good or night out on the town. Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair, St James's, Knightsbridge, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square are among the famous neighborhoods loosely included in the "West End." If you're heading "up West," as many Londoners say, just remember to stay alert because pickpockets and scam artists love this part of London too.

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

London's Theatreland fills the heart of the West End. The city's commercial theaters , where you can see the brightest stars and the newest theater sensations—musicals, dramas, comedies, revues, and of course, in season, Pantos are all here. Look for the star-studded marquees and theater posters along Shaftsbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road, St. Martin's Lane, The Strand, and Aldwych as well as a few tucked into the side streets of Soho and Covent Garden.

If you go, beware of ticket touts. As with most sports events and concerts world wide these days, there are grifters out there trying to sell you way overpriced, or even counterfeit, tickets.

Unless you've planned way ahead and booked your tickets through some of the links on the London Theatreland or Official London Theatre websites, your best bet is to visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. They sell last-minute and discount tickets for the hottest shows. You have to go in person (TKTS is open every day), but you can check the website to see what might be available before you go.

Taste Your Way Through Chinatown

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

London's Chinatown runs south of Shaftsbury Avenue and parallel to it, along Gerrard Street and Lisle Street. It is small but intense, packing in every kind of Chinese food available—Cantonese, spicy hot Szechwan and Hunan, complex and sophisticated Hong Kong-style, and even a few French-influenced Vietnamese places. The area is particularly good for dim sum and snacks at all hours. We like Haozhan on Gerrard Street, also known for its roast and lacquered duck; and Opium , a 1920s Shanghai-themed cocktail and dim sum bar behind a secret jade door at the other end of Gerrard Street. 

And if you are in London for Chinese New Year , you can count on this area being at the heart of the celebrations.

Hit the Shops

Whatever your style or budget, you will likely find great shopping somewhere in London's West End.

Oxford Street : This is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world for mass market brands and the Selfrigdes department store.

Regent Street :   One of London's most beautiful shopping areas, it's sweeping curved Regency terraces hold some of the more upmarket chains as well as top London brands. 

Carnaby Street : Off Regent Street, this is the current place for youthful brands, shoe shops, cool bars, and cafes.

Bond Street : Head here for exclusive designers, jewelers, and celebrity spotting.

Piccadilly :   Start at Piccadilly Circus, and after you've ogled the huge new LED advertising sign  and done some people-watching near the statue of Eros, head west along Piccadilly for luxury goods shopping and the entrance to London's famous 18th century shopping arcades.

Mayfair and St James's : Here you'll find   art galleries, fine antiques, and gentlemen's goods.

Soho : Find an eclectic mix of shops featuring vintage vinyl, old magazines, comic books and posters, theatrical fabrics, makeup and wigs, chefs clothing, and supplies.

Browse a Museum

The British Museum, the UK's famous storehouse of civilization with miles of galleries and millions of objects, is a popular stop in London's West End. Stop in to ogle the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies, and loads more. Despite lots of competition, it remains Britain's number one attraction.

But this area is also home to some quirky museums that are worth a visit. The Foundling Museum , in an 18th-century house on Coram Fields, was London's first home for abandoned children. In addition to moving displays and objects, there are exhibitions on its founders, George Frederick Handel, William Hogarth, and Thomas Coram.

Other museums in the area include the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden for fans of the iconic red double decker-bus; the  Pollocks Toy Museum in Fitzrovia; and the  Sir John Soane's Museum , the home of the 19th century architect who designed the Bank of England and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the world's first purpose-built public art gallery.  

See Some Beautiful Art

The West End is a feast for art lovers. Both of Britain's big national collections are here—the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, but the area is also home to a few other galleries.

The Wallace Collection , a private collection given to Britain as long as none of the works were ever loaned out and as long as it remained free to the public. If you want to see Frans Hals's The Laughing Cavalier or Fragonard's Girl on a Swing, you have to come here, just north of Oxford Street.

The Courtauld Gallery , a small, lovely gallery full of Impressionist and Post Impressionist paintings. (Note: From September 3, 2018, the Courtauld will be closed for two years for a major redevelopment project.)

The Royal Academy of Arts   where its members, Britain's leading living artists, show off their work. This is a gallery run by artists. Its annual Summer Exhibition—a juried show to which anyone can submit a work—is legendary.

Go on a Traditional Pub Crawl

The Soho and St James's areas of London's West End are especially rich hunting grounds for traditional London pubs. Some, such as Soho pub The Pillars of Hercules (pictured here) and the Queen's Head on Denman Street, date from the early 18th century. Most of them have fascinating stories as well as well-conditioned pints of ale. The Queen's Head was once the meeting place of club of gentleman dog baiters. When that became illegal, they looked for a way to indulge their dog-breeding enthusiasm, and the forerunner of Britain's famous dog show, Crufts, was born. A good way to find the best pubs and hear their great stories is to take a guided tour with a qualified guide. Joanna Moncrieff of Westminster Tours offers pub-focused tours of both Soho and St. James. Or search The Guild of British Tourist Guides  to find a qualified Blue Badge Guide.

Descend Into the Silver Vaults

Imagine buying silver cutlery, antique silver, or silver jewelry from a giant safe, and you'll have some idea of what the London Silver Vaults on Chancery Lane are like. The building started out in the late 19th century as a safe deposit storage business where Londoners could store their valuables and documents. Over time, merchants who sold valuable stock—particularly antique silver—found it was easier to move their businesses into the safe depository than regularly move their stock into the vaults. So each vault became a mini-shop, packed floor to ceiling and wall to wall with fine antique silver. The Silver Vaults were damaged during World War II but rebuilt in 1953. This is one of those attractions that few tourists know about but that most find fascinating to visit even if they're not in the market for silver. But if you are, don't be put off by the treasures available for tens, even hundreds, or thousands of pounds. There's plenty of stock—spools, jewelry, napkin rings, charms and trinkets—that's affordable for most visitors.

Visit Covent Garden, Home of the First Punch and Judy Show

In 1662, diarist Samuel Pepys witnessed the first Punch and Judy Show outside St Paul's Church, Covent Garden . A plaque on the wall of the church, built by Inigo Jones in 1633 and known as The Actor's Church, commemorates the event. The spot is still a place of street entertainment. Visit this end of Covent Garden any day of the week, and you'll see a continuous performance of licensed street entertainers (known as buskers in London) entertaining the crowds. Singers, jugglers, dog acts, comedians, tumblers, and acrobats all have a go. Just be sure and keep a tight watch over your valuables while you are watching the entertainment.

When you're tired of the entertainment, there's plenty of artisan craftwork and gifts to browse in the restored Covent Garden Market itself as well as on nearby Neal Street. It can be a bit touristy, but it is, nevertheless, a fun place to wonder around in or stop for a snack or drink.

Tour The Royal Opera House Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House (ROH) Covent Garden is the third theater on the site, dating from 1856. Two earlier theaters, the first built in 1732, were destroyed by fire. Today the ROH is the home of the the Royal Opera Company, the Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera. 

Even if you are not coming to see a performance, you can tour the building and learn about its historic associations. Most of Handel's operas and oratorios, for example, were written for this house and premiered here.

Backstage Tours offers a chance to see behind the scenes before the theater opens its doors for a performance; Legends and Landmarks Tours entertains with stories and histories of the opera house and nearby Theatreland; the Velvet, Gilt and Glamour Tour focuses on the architecture of the Victorian auditorium and the stories of the famous performers who have appeared there.

The schedule of tours is announced seasonally on the opera website and they can be booked online.  If you plan on attending a tour, leave your big bags, rucksacks, and backpacks somewhere else before you arrive. You aren't allowed to bring them on the tour, and there is no place to check them in the Opera House.

Visit Buckingham Palace

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Buckingham Palace, right on the edge of what might be considered the West End, is a must for any first-timer to London. During its open season in the summer, you can go inside to see some of the rooms and then enjoy tea on the terrace, which offers a chance to see the Queen's backyard. At other times, view the part of the Queen's private collection of art in the Queen's Gallery, and of course, try to time your visit to see the Changing of the Guard. It's quite an elaborate ceremony that begins at 10:30 a.m. at St. James's Palace and the Wellington Barracks. It takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and if you want a good spot for your pictures, plan on getting there early.

Tour Parliament and See Big Ben

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

If you're hoping to actually hear Big Ben sound the hours, the half-hours and the quarter-hours, you're out of luck for the next few years. They've had to silence the giant bell for restoration, cleaning, and repairs for the next few years (as of 2018), and the actual date for the reopening of the tower for tours hasn't been announced. You can still see the clock face, but not much else as the whole tower is shrouded in scaffolding.

What you can tour, however, are the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster itself. There are a variety of tours open to UK residents and overseas visitors including self-guided audio tours, family tours, tours with afternoon tea, and a range of special interest tours. These tours are offered when Parliament is not in session and must be booked in advance  online  or via the phone number listed on the  website.  But if you are a UK resident, you can arrange a tour to see Parliament in session through your UK MP.

Explore Whitehall and Horseguards Parade

Whitehall is the road that runs from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square. It's the home of much of the British government's bureaucracy, and at first glance, it looks like a bunch of faceless white 18th and 19th-century buildings. But there is a lot worth seeing along this street and well worth a stroll north along it to see.

10 Downing Street :   About 815 feet along from Big Ben, on the left side of the street, walking North, is the entrance to Downing Street and the homes of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor. The entrance is barred by tall iron gates, railings, and on-duty policemen. But you can peek in to see the style of the houses within. You can also see what British people are currently up-in-arms about because there is invariably a small crowd of protesters and petitioners outside the gates. 

Horseguards Parade : Continue about another 500 feet, and you come to a pair of guard boxes with a pair of mounted officers on tall, handsome stallions. This is the entrance to Horseguards Parade and the soldiers are members of the Queen's Household cavalry and the guards in the boxes change hourly. The full Changing of the Guard here is a half-hour spectacular of colorfully uniformed cavalrymen inside the gates at 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. It is far less crowded than Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and best of all, there are no railings between you and the cavalry. After, visit the Household Cavalry Museum where you can see the working stables and try on a cavalryman's uniform.

The Banqueting House :   As a last stop, pop across the street to visit the Banqueting House, all that remains of Charles I's Whitehall Palace. Check out the ceiling by Rubens and the balcony from which the doomed king stepped out onto a scaffold to be beheaded on the orders of Oliver Cromwell.

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Surge in Outdoor Tourism Renews Equity and Inclusion Challenges in American West

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift

December 10th, 2020 at 2:30 PM EST

With international travel largely shuttered and an exodus from cities of remote workers seeking more bucolic settings, hordes of people are flocking to federal lands in the American West. But how to balance the need for tourist dollars with protecting fragile ecosystems and sacred sites remains a challenge.

Since the pandemic began, travelers have flocked to the tens of millions of acres of land the U.S. federal government owns in the American West. But the challenge of how to balance the influx of visitors with managing these often-fragile ecosystems remains daunting, panelists at the Skift Short-Term & Outdoor Summit said Thursday.

These lands, much of which is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, are separate from those managed by the National Park Service. They lack some of the infrastructure of Park Service-managed territories, with fewer law enforcement resources, trail markings, and restroom facilities.

Overtourism can threaten desert ecosystems and can expose sacred Indigenous sites to inadvertent (in most cases) damage. “Land managers were overwhelmed,” said Ashley Korenblat, managing director of Public Land Solutions during a session moderated by global tourism reporter Lebawit Lily Girma.

Yet, tourism, and the money it brings, is important. International travel largely is shut down, and cities have seen an exodus with the rise of remote work and as people seek to escape exposure to the virus. These twin forces are bringing more people, and money, than ever to federal land in the American West.

Indigenous Peoples want to capitalize on the trend financially but also safeguard their sacred sites and preserve their unique way of life, said Len Necefer, founder of Natives Outdoors . Tribes are “acutely concerned” about the threats posed by motorized off-road vehicles, cycling, and rock climbing to their sacred sites. “These [activities] have an impact,” he said.

Education is key, the panelists said. Visitors should seek out organizations that have experience in the particular area they want to visit. “When there is not enough law enforcement or trail markings, bad things can happen,” said Charlotte Overby, senior program manager for Conservations Lands Foundation . The organization is working to educate both landowners on how to conserve their land and stimulate tourism sustainably, and tourists on how best to enjoy the territory. “Our belief is that these places are best managed by local people who love them,” she said.

In addition to educating visitors, it’s incumbent on landowners and local organizations to design experiences that people will enjoy and will discourage unsupervised exploring, Korenblat added. These could range from simply marking trails to offering guided tours, she said. “People behave well when their expectations are met.”

The panelists called for more funding for federal agencies charged with managing land, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Tax revenues now earmarked for marketing should be diverted to sustainable tourism, and the travel industry should lobby Congress for more funding for these initiatives, Overby said. “This is mission critical,” Korenblat added.

Indigenous People must be part of the conversation on how to manage tourism on public lands, Necefer said. The issue of co-management, where a site is overseen both by the federal and tribal government, should be explored. This concept has proven successful in other countries, like Australia and Canada, where Indigenous Peoples are actively involved in land use and management. Tribal governments should be given greater access to resources and to credit, something Indigenous People long have had trouble getting, he noted.

“We can manage these places better with the folks that have been doing it for a few thousand years,” Necefer said.

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Tags: overtourism , stro2020

Photo credit: Moab, Utah is among the places seeing an influx of visitors during the pandemic. Andrey Grinkevich / Unsplash

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge

A global call for entrepreneurs working to accelerate sustainability.

Green and blue economies: Coastruction  | Netherlands noytrall | Portugal SmArt for Sustainability | Panama

Local community involvement: Quantum Temple | United States socialbnb | Germany

Tourism Education: Instituto de Accesibilidad | Spain Kamatjona | Namibia Baahdy & Birdy | Norway

Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: WeavAir | Singapore r3charge | Germany

Women Empowerment: Impact Innovations Institute (Safe YOU) | Armenia NomadHer | South Korea

Tourism Tech for Good: Murmuration | France Evelity by Okeenea Digital | France Accessible Qatar | Qatar

Green and blue economies: Viatu Travel - Switzerland Weeva - United Kingdom

Local community involvement: It's July | Israel Tuzmo | United States Astrostays | India

Tourism Education: Fifty Shades Greener | Ireland (Republic of) RISE Travel Institute | United States

Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: Trees4Travel Ltd | United Kingdom Lid Vizion | United States Salva | Colombia/Costa Rica/United States

Women Empowerment: Womxn For Wild | South Africa GirlsRunPeriod | Canada Greether | United States

Tourism Tech for Good: Hotelverse | Spain Travellyze | Spain

Tourism is resilient . While it has been one of the most impacted sectors by global crisis, it has also demonstrated its potential as a major force of recovery.

Now, with an accelerated digital transformation and technology adoption throughout the tourism value chain, the sector stands out as a leader for responding to the toughest challenges.

At the same time, youth has proven its capacity to come up with technology, social impact, and sustainability solutions. However, they need concrete support to keep their energy and unleash all their projects’ benefits.

For this reason, UNWTO calls for a joint effort amongst stakeholders and launches the Awake Tourism Challenge seeking to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .

We are awake and ready to go, are you?

Target startups

Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate if meeting the following criteria:

• Be innovative in nature providing value-added solutions
• Be sustainability-driven
• Be scalable: to have potential for international growth and potential to be applied in corporations and destinations (countries, regions)
• Be an Early Stage or Series A startup
• Introduction or adoption of digital and technological elements
• Have a tested pilot and business plan
• Have been accelerated before
• Have a full-time team including at least 2 members under 35 years. Gender balance will be also considered.

All ways of innovation are welcome: technology, social impact and sustainability solutions.

UNWTO has identified 6 challenges that that will act as the categories for this programme. As there might be projects able to contribute to more than category, the one in which the positive impact is expected to be stronger should be selected.

• Local community involvement: 80% of all people living in ‘extreme poverty’ live in rural communities 1 while domestic, rural and eco-tourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices. With a focus on communities, the sector has a great potential to stimulate local economies and improve the economic conditions of low-income and vulnerable populations.
• Green and blue economies: tourism can be a source of economic opportunities at the same time of protecting natural ecosystems by developing its operations with sustainable infrastructure through more efficient energy, water, and waste management systems.
• Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: sustainable capital has the potential to optimize resource usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also provide a competitive market advantage for businesses. At this point, green investments and sustainable financial mechanisms can boost tourism potential to achieve the SDGs.
• Tourism Tech for Good: advancements in deep technology have revolutionized the sector, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, by simultaneously improving customer experience and increasing quality of life and wellness for societies, including topics such as accessibility, inclusion, poverty alleviation. Artificial Intelligence, crypto, blockchain, metaverse, NFTs are welcomed in this category.
• Tourism Education: despite representing 10% of the world’s jobs 2 before Covid-19, tourism has faced a challenge in terms of skills development. Indeed, almost 20% 3 of the employed people in selected tourism industries in the European Union had less than primary and lower secondary education in 2018. Furthermore, currently there is no continuous measurement or updated data on skills development and its contribution to creating added value jobs, which are fundamental to advance in this agenda.
• Women Empowerment: while employing the largest number of women 4 in most regions of the world, they yet tend to be concentrated in the lowest paid and lowest status jobs in the sector. Startups with a gender focus can be an important contributor to equality.

1 De La O Campos et alia, 2018 in World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2020). Recommendations on Tourism and Rural Development – A Guide to Making Tourism an Effective Tool for Rural Development. 2 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2019). World Tourism Day 2019. Retrieved fromhttps://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2019 3 Eurostat. (2019). Tourism creates jobs for women and young workers. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/EDN-20190927-1 4 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2019). Global Report on Women and Tourism – Second Edition. Retrieved from https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284420384

Evaluation criteria

Participating startups will be assessed according to their:

• Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Ease of value capture via collaboration with the startup
• Potential business impact
• Maturity of the product/technology
• Maturity of the team and the organization
• Partnership readiness

Benefits for winning startups include but are not limited to:

• Sponsorship provided by Wakalua to pitch at the UNWTO Demo Day (venue and country tbc);
• Application through the YouNoodle platform, which facilitates introduction and growth opportunities for startups;
• Access to 90+ Venture Capitalists, Top Corporations and 150+ Countries;
• Become a Member of the UNWTO Innovation Network;
• Curated mentorship and acceleration programme from our partners;
• Membership at the Startup Campuses;
• Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions;
• Potential seed funding;
• Incubation services in Les Roches Spark Innovation Center, including 3 months accommodation in Crans-Montana, provided by the Sommet Education group.

How to apply

Get ready for your application:

• Keep in mind the category you will apply for
• Read the Terms & Conditions of the Competition
• Read the questions in the Application form
• Make an attractive pitch deck in English (no more than 15 slides)
• List your web page, social media users and contact information
• Once you have all of them ready, fill out the Application form in English and submit it

Once you have all of them ready, fill out the Application form in English

21 April 2022

Deadline for candidatures

15 October 2022

Announcement of winning startups

January 2023

Pitching round for winners

Previous edition.

Our last programme at a glance:

After the competition

Winner of the category SDG 1 – Zero poverty

“We won the International FAO Innovation Award for Sustainable Food Systems 2021”.

Winner of the category SDG 5 – Gender equality

“I had the opportunity to launch my platform in the Spanish market. Now I am based in Madrid and I am working to keep my business growing”.

Winner of the category SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy

“We closed a Series A funding round of USD 10 million led by BorgWarner and Halliburton Co”.

Winner of the category SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities

“We have gotten worldwide interest for our product and we were selected to the Microsoft AI for Good Program”.

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 Harbour Cruises – 604-688-7246 – 501 Denman St - The only narrated tour of the city’s Harbour. Our dinner and lunch cruises offer you a spectacular way to experience Vancouver.

Enjoy 50% off our new 90 - minute “Lunch Box Harbour Cruise” after May 1 – Tuesday to Thursday at 12:00 pm (limited availability). Reservations must be done 24 hours in advance.

Please check harbourcruises.com for all our products offerings.

City Cycle Tours & Rentals

604-618-8626 – 648 Hornby St – Vancouver’s Top-Rated Bicycle Tour and Rental shop.  Enjoy 20% off of the Grand Tour, Stanley Park Tour, Epic Electric Tour and Rentals for Privilege Passholders.  Tours can be booked in advance using code "privilege24"

cyclevancouver.com 

FlyOver 

 855-463-4822 – 999 Canada Place – Flyover grabs all your senses to immerse you in landscapes, stories and culture. Using the power of unique perspectives, the sensations of flight and complete sensory engagement, you’ll soar over, around and through the world’s most epic places. Fun for all ages

  $19.00 per person available for passholder + 1 guest for single experience.

Additionally,  passholders can enjoy 20% off merchandise and café items, as well as 2-for-1 souvenir photos.

Restrictions: Minimum height requirement of 102 cm/40 inches. Not available on BC STAT holidays, Easter Monday or during the following blackout periods: June 28th, 2024 - September 2nd, 2024 and December 20th, 2024 to January 6th, 2025

experienceflyover.com     

Bard on the Beach 

Buy one Regular ticket, get a second Regular ticket at 50% off for each of Bard’s two 2024 Mainstage productions: Twelfth Night and Hamlet.

Offer valid for seats in A or A+ zones. Companion tickets must be booked for the same performance and zone as the full-price tickets. Offer may only be used once per Privilege Pass and is valid only after Privilege Passes are obtained.

Must be booked a minimum of 24 hours before the performance date/time. Valid for performances until July 14, 2024.

Subject to availability and cannot be used for Special Events or Opening Nights.

Call the Box Office to book tickets: 604-739-0559. Privilege Passes must be presented at Will Call to pick up tickets.

Visit bardonthebeach.org for dates and play information.

The Cultch 

604-251-1363 – 1895 Venables St – Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts and cultural hub. For over 50 years we have been curating unique, intimate and diverse contemporary programming in theatre, dance, music, circus and visual arts from Vancouver, Canadaand across the Globe.

Enjoy 20% off tickets during the 2024/2025 season at The Cultch and York Theatre.

Book tickets by calling the box office on the day of the show ONLY at 604-251-1363 with promo code TC RUSH.  Tickets are subject to availability and not available on Friday and Saturday nights.  Offer is not valid for special presentations, The East Van Panto or rental shows.

Visit  thecultch.com  for show information.  Tickets will be at will and can be collected when your valid Privilege Pass and photo identification is presented.

Landsea Tours – Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour

604-255-7272 – Embark on the ultimate Whistler tour, beginning with a captivating journey along the Sea to Sky Highway, a stop at Shannon Falls, and an unforgettable experience aboard the Sea to Sky Gondola. Explore Whistler Village, check out their walking tour app, and delve into the cultural richness at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and Audain Art Museum.

A NON-REFUNDABLE $86/PERSON + TAXES & BOOKING FEE for the Privilege Pass holder and a guest, charged at time of booking.

Call 604-255-7272, email [email protected] or book online with PROMO CODE: CHALLENGE2024 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

vancouvertours.com @LandseaTours

Improv Centre 

Add a little improv to your evening with a visit to The Improv Centre on Granville Island! With hilarious improv, stand up, and our world famous Theatresports shows, a ticket to TIC is a guaranteed laughfest!

Privilege Pass holders get access to a special offer: buy one ticket, get one free! Use promo code TOURISMBOGO at checkout or at our box office.

Offer valid for up to two (2) adult tickets only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, during special events or on Saturday night.

For shows, schedule, and more, visit  theimprovcentre.ca .

The Improv Centre. Comedy Happens Here.  

ShowTimeTickets.com

ShowTimeTickets.com is an independent Canadian ticket broker that buys and sells tickets to all live sports, concerts, theatre events, comedy shows, and special events here in Vancouver and around the world. We are conveniently located right by all of Vancouver's hottest live events, next to Rogers Arena and BC Place Stadium. Established in 1985, we have been providing our customers access to the best and most memorable events for over 35 years. Enjoy a 5% discount (and free upgrades whenever possible) on any tickets sold on our website ( showtimetickets.com) . No blackout dates/events.

Call 604-688-5000 or email [email protected] to book direct.

Vancouver Water Adventures  

Vancouver is a paddler’s paradise and we are ready to take you from the shore to the open water. Please join us in exploring our beautiful coastline, one splash at a time. Rentals are first-come, first-served, and we do not take reservations– so we advise coming early in the day!  50% Off Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals for you and 1 friend Valid Monday to Friday.  Call to book.

vancouverwateradventures.com 

Prince of Whales and Sea Vancouver Adventures

 We'd love to welcome you on one of our fully-guided whale watching trips or Sea Vancouver City and Harbour Tour, and are offering you 50% off our retail rates for both tours.

On our whale watching tour you get to experience  the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring overhead. Explore the Strait of Georgia's and Howe Sound’s currents in search of orcas and humpback whales, and listen to our marine mammal experts bring the animals’ stories to life (while you stay warm, dry and hydrated in its heated cabin, of course!) The quintessential whale watching experience for every adventurer.

On our Sea Vancouver, City and Harbour Tour - our classic and most famous adventure - we will take you on a 90-minute ride around historic Vancouver in a 12-seater open zodiac. Your tour will depart from False Creek and cruise into English Bay before exploring around Stanley Park and under the Lions Gate Bridge. The boat will stop at various points of interest as your guide provides fascinating and entertaining history, information and commentary. Feel the breeze through your hair at 30 knots (55km) from the picturesque Vancouver harbourfront.

Please note that we reserve the right to limit the Privilege Pass capacities. 1 PASS PER 2 GUESTS IS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. BOOKED ON A NON-REFUNDABLE/NON-TRANSFERABLE OFFER. Please book at princeofwhales.com/tourism-challenge with PRIVPASS promo code. Privilege Pass and photo id required at check in.

Sewell’s Marina

604-921-3474 – 6409 Bay St, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver –   Enjoy a mid week morning or afternoon in Howe Sound on a Self Drive Rental Boat and receive 30% off your rental fees.  Excludes weekends and holidays – no exceptions .  Enjoy 15% off Sea Safari tour for you and a guest, 7 days a week.  Please note in the comments section that you have a Privilege Pass. 

Discount will be applied at check in on the day of the excursion and with the validation of a current Privilege Pass

Visit our website to reserve at www.sewellsmarina.com

Coastal Jazz & Blues Society 2024

Join us on Granville Island for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 21 - June 30, 2024, to enjoy:

● Free Admission to our 8:00 PM ticketed events at Ocean Art Works (space permitting) ● Purchase two for one tickets for our evening shows at Performance Works, or the Revue Stage (subject to availability).

After the 2024 Jazz Festival is over join us with two for one tickets to our year-round events (subject to availability). 

For admission to Ocean Art Works just show up to the door with your Privilege Pass and photo ID. 

For two for one tickets please contact the box office on the day of the show (604.872.5200 ext.5). Tickets can also be purchased at the box office before the show (space permitting). Please bring your Privilege Pass and photo ID to pick up your tickets.

For information about Coastal Jazz events (including the Jazz Festival) please visit our website at coastaljazz.ca

Privilege Pass Holders + one guest, travelling together, are eligible for Stand-by Travel at $107 (incl tax & fees) per person each way on any Helijet scheduled service, based on availability.

Government issued photo ID is required for both travellers, along with Privilege Pass. Visit helijet.com/tourism for details

helijet.com

Harbour Air  

 Standby privileges are extended to holders of the Vancouver  Tourism Challenge Privilege Pass.

Pass Holders are eligible to fly at a $79 base fare, when flying on standby on any route.

Although the fare is discounted all travellers are subject to carbon offset taxes, fuel surcharges (when in effect), applicable port/dock fees, and taxes.

Standby eligibility is non-transferable, however pass holders flying on standby are eligible to bring one (1) guest with them on the discounted standby rate when flying together.

This standby offer is also valid for Classic Panoramic scenic tours. Not valid for any other tours or Charter flights.

Visit  harbourair.com/flight-info/book/standby-travel/  for more details.

Hullo Fast Ferry

236-362-1045 – Welcome to Hullo - BC’s new fast ferry company, connecting Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo in 70 minutes.  ENJOY 15% SAVINGS ON TICKET FARES WHEN YOU USE THE CODE: VCTHULLO15. AVAILABLE MON-THURS . We offer up to 6 round trips daily departing from Coal Harbour and Downtown Nanaimo.  

  Sea to Sky Air    

604-898-1975 – 46041 Government Rd, Garibaldi Highlands, Squamish –  When booking any flight experience from our website a Privilege Pass holder will receive a 15% discount for the entire booking. Simply use promo code “privilegepass” at checkout to receive your discount.  seatoskyair.ca

Toonie Tours

778-244-8648 - Canada’s #1 Free Walking Tour Company. We offer world travelers & curious locals unique access to the city with our down-to-earth, passionate, and personable local guides. We have many tours to choose from that utilize different modes of transportation - walking & biking - and explore different interests including coffee, beer, street art, nature, urban city, architecture, and more!   

Privilege pass holder, plus one guest, may enjoy 30% OFF our tours in any of the following cities: Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, and Toronto.

Call or email [email protected] or book online with promocode: 24PRIVILEGEPASS30

RESTRICTIONS: Each tour booked is requires a minimum of 2+ customers in order to operate the tour. If there are no other bookings on the selected tour, the tour will be cancelled and an alternative day/time will be offered.

toonietours.ca

Vancouer Opera

Vancouver Opera is the second largest opera company in Canada. It is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions; for its country-leading education programs, which have reached more than 1.6 million children and their families in more than 40 years; for its innovative and award-winning community programs; and for forging groundbreaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to new generations of Canadians in recent history.

  This season, October 2024 through May 2025 - Enjoy a night at the opera. Purchase tickets to any performance at a 20% discount using promo code TOURISM at www.vancouveropera.ca

Vancouver Mysteries

778-707-1962  – Four outdoor mystery games to choose from.  Explore iconic architecture, historic sites and public art while you complete escape-room style challenges and collect clues.  No apps to download, no wifi required - this is real-life adventure.  

Privilege Pass offer is $25/player +tax (a $15 discount) for a pass holder and up to 30 friends.       To book your activity for 2 to 30 players, please contact our Experience Team by emailing us at [email protected], or call us at 778-707-1962

  vancouvermysteries.com  @vancouvermysteries

BUY ONE GET 2ND 50 PERCENT OFF WITH OUR BUTCHART GARDENS AND SEA TO SKY WHISTLER TOUR.

Tightrope Impro Theatre on Main

2343 Main St – A theatre company specializing in Improv! We produce professional Improvised Theatre and provide a variety of training in improvisation. Enjoy two offers with your Privilege Pass.

Privilege PassP  holders can access a deal of 2 for 1 tickets from June 1, 2024 -  March 31, 2025.

www.tightropetheatre.com/weekly-live-shows

DISCOUNT CODE: passport24124

Limited to 5 per show. Please have your Privilege Pass and photo id ready for verification at the theatre.

2) Passport holders can also access a 20% discount on our Beginner improv  training course: The First Step.

www.tightropetheatre.com/the-first-step

DISCOUNT CODE: firstpassport24

Vancouver Foodie Tours

 Experience the True Tastes of Vancouver: Gastronomic Gastown Tour

Journey through the mysterious and resilient streets of Gastown — Vancouver’s historic birthplace. Listen to inspiring stories about locals who are thriving here, and connect with the past, present, and future of this neighbourhood. While you’re absorbing the tales, savour three beautiful courses at iconic restaurants known for their culinary prowess.

Enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on this tour by booking online at FoodieTours.ca with discount code PrivilegePass.

foodietours.ca

 Vancouver Whale Watch

604-274-9565 – 210- 12240 Second Ave, Richmond – Vancouver’s original whale watching company. Travel through the spectacular Gulf and San Juan Islands to discover magnificent whale and marine wildlife. Fully guided tours are 3-5 hours long.

ENJOY 15% OFF REGULAR TOURS  + TAXES AND CONSERVATION FEE.

Valid for Privilege Pass holder and one guest. PHONE-IN RESERVATIONS ONLY.  

vancouverwhalewatch.com

Vancouver Convention Centre - Lot 185 Cafe

1055 Canada Place - 604-689-8232 - The Vancouver Convention Centre is the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention centre, proudly hosting hundreds of events each year and welcoming thousands of guests from around the world.   

Enjoy 15% off the total food bill (alcohol not included) at LOT185 for the Privilege Pass holder and one guest.

Wild Play Maple Ridge

1-855-595-2251 – 23485 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge –  Experience the thrill of landing a razor-sharp axe into a wooden target at the end of a 14ft alley. Once you hear the satisfying thud of your axe wedging into the bullseye, you’ll be hooked!

Enjoy 2 for 1 Axe Throwing Walk in's only.

wildplay.com/maple-ridge

Cantrail - Takes you away!

Traveling should not be a chore, and the journey should not be a hassle. Cantrail will take you, wherever your destination may be, in class, comfort and safety. Our fleet of well maintained motor coaches is designed with you, the traveler, in mind. Our knowledgeable and courteous drivers always keep your best interests at heart and our experienced charter staff will make your charter an undeniable success.

Special rate Vancouver/Seattle: one way coach ticket  $40. Please call 604-294-5541 to book. Subject to  availability.   Be sure to let us know you are a Privilege Passholder!

cantrail.com

Squamish Connector

604-318-5855 – Operating 365 days a year, offering round-trip coach bus transfers from downtown Vancouver to multiple attractions in  Squamish, including the Sea to Sky Gondola, Britannia Mine Museum and Squamish Adventure Centre. 

ENJOY 15% OFF REGULAR ROUND TRIP RATES, LIMIT 2 PEOPLE PER RESERVATION.

Visit our website for our schedule and book at [email protected] .

squamishconnector.com

Vancouver Symphony Society

604-876-3434 – Led by Music Director Otto Tausk since 2018, the VSO performs more than 150 concerts each year. The VSO presents passionate, high-quality performances of classical, popular and culturally diverse music, creating meaningful engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

For privilege pass holder: 2 tickets at the rate of 50% off for any of our regular series concerts. These tickets must be ordered over the phone and can only be reserved within the two weeks period prior to the desired performance. Ordered tickets can be picked up at the box office with tourism privilege pass QR code AND photo identification.

Privilege Pass tickets cannot be passed to another person or picked up by another person. 

To book tickets contact VSO customer service 604-876-3434. vancouversymphony.ca

Canadian Outback Rafting

1-866-565-8735 – 12825 Squamish Valley Road, Squamish –   Privilege Pass holders will receive a special rate of $119 +taxes on our Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator for themselves + 1 friend.  Valid only on weekdays from June 1- September 24. Not valid on long weekends or holidays. Must reserve ahead of time. Participants must be 13 yrs + and weigh minimum 90lbs.

canadianoutbackrafting.com  or call to book 1-866-565-8735

Enjoy 10% savings with HI Canada at HI-Whistler on all room types. Book at 1.866.762.4122. Please mention TPASS2024 to get rates. Must show your passport at check-in. Valid until March 31st, 2025. Not Valid between Dec 17th, 2024, and January 4th, 2025.

Ecodairy Farm Discovery Centre

Come get your farmhand experience and see how technology improves the quality of the  food produced, the life of the farm and the animals, and helps reduce our environmental  footprint. EcoFarm Tours are fun and educational for all ages!

Enjoy 50% off admission for our Dairy Barn Tour and/or our VIP Behind the Scenes Tour!  This offer is valid for Privilege Pass Holders and one guest.

Offer excluded for special events when regular tours are not operating. Stay up to date by following our Instagram @ecofarmbc.ca

ecodairy.ca

Castle Fun Park

604-850-0411 – 36165 North Parallel Rd, Abbotsford – Bringing FUN to families in the Fraser Valley for over 30 years! Over 200 Arcade Games, Bowling, Go Karts & Lazer Mase. DIVE INTO A ‘HOLE’ NEW WORLD! 

Buy One Get One Underwater Adventure Golf. No blackout dates.

castlefunpark.com

Skylynx 

Enjoy 10% discount on Skylynx bus between Vancouver and Whistler (up to 2 tickets per participant)

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