Delaware Tourism Workplace launches incubator, workshops

The Delaware Tourism Office has launched a new incubator and workshop program to support government tourism businesses. | Photo courtesy of DTO

DOVER – With the state’s tourism industry still facing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delaware Tourist Office launches a new incubator and workshop program to ensure companies are prepared for when the recovery hits fully again.

The Destination Development Program has two parts: an incubator that helps a business grow in each county, and a free workshop program that is offered to up to five professionals in each county.

Liz Keller, director of the Delaware Tourism Bureau, said the idea for the multi-faceted program actually came up before the pandemic, but the crisis only emphasized the need for help.

“The only thing we kept hearing was, ‘I’m a one-person team that does everything. How can I get help? ‘”She explained. “We’ve done workshops and webinars before, but when you get back to the office you’re still the only person.”

Every part of the Destination Development Program has paid consultants to help participants with their work so entrepreneurs don’t have to feel like they are alone, Keller said. As part of the incubator program, the state office is working with Miles Partnership, a statewide tourism marketing agency based in Florida, while Wilmington marketing firm Aloysius Butler & Clark (AB&C) will lead the workshops, Keller said.

While the incubator provides hands-on business development resources from national experts, the workshops will cover a variety of topics, from marketing to public relations to analytics, over a period of six months. Participants will also receive one-on-one interviews with AB&C experts on each of the monthly topics.

Keller said her office isn’t looking for attendees from any specific subsector of the industry, noting that tourism includes small businesses and nonprofits like art galleries, museums, breweries, sports venues, and more.

“What we’re really looking for are applicants who are ready to move on to the next step,” she said. “We want this to be a transformative experience for them, for them to have the investment and expertise to grow by leaps and bounds.”

The urgency to get this training and support for state-owned companies has only been heightened by COVID, added Keller.

“We need to raise awareness about Delaware, the fact that we are a safe destination and how we can explore the state more safely than ever before,” she said. “If everyone has the expertise, then the rising tide swims all boats.”

Applications for the program are accepted until March 15th. Further information about the program and how to apply can be found at Visit Delaware.com/DDP.