“Our goal is to create a community of doers who love New West and want to see it grow as a vibrant destination,” says Gerardo Corro, Executive Director of Tourism New Westminster.
Whether you’re launching a new business, improving an existing one, or proposing a creative way to make the city more welcoming and vibrant, Tourism New West wants to hear your ideas.
Got a big idea for a city experience? Tourism New Westminster wants to hear it.
New West Experience (NWX) is a brand-new contest from Tourism New Westminster that calls on entrepreneurs, students, and community members to share bold ideas that could redefine what it means to experience the city.
Part competition and part incubator, NWX is designed to uncover new experiences—from pop-up dining adventures and walking tours to art installations and immersive workshops—that celebrate the people, culture, and creativity that make New Westminster unique.
“We’re inviting entrepreneurs and innovators who are inspired by New Westminster—whether they live here or simply see the city’s incredible potential—to bring their unique ideas to life,” says Gerardo Corro, Executive Director of Tourism New Westminster. “Beyond the prizes, what truly matters is that participants know they’re not alone. We’re ready to walk alongside them—offering mentorship, marketing support, and connections to funding—to help turn their ideas into thriving businesses that enhance the visitor experience.”
Eligibility and Idea Criteria
NWX features two categories:
1. New Experience-Based Business
Concepts for bookable, visitor-facing experiences, such as guided tours, pop-ups, foodie experiences, workshops, wellness activities, festivals, cafés, nightlife offerings, or urban adventuress, that are likely to succeed in the New Westminster environment and appeal to both visitors and locals.
Prizes: Two awards of $5,000 each (one for a student and one for a non-student) + mentorship + promotional support.
2. Tourism Improvement Idea
Creative proposals (not necessarily businesses) that enrich the city’s tourism experience through storytelling, accessibility, wayfinding, interpretation, placemaking, or cultural engagement.
Prize: $2,500 in funding + public recognition
All finalists will have the opportunity to receive professional advice, promotional support, and connections to local tourism leaders and potential investors. Tourism New Westminster is prepared to offer ongoing guidance to help participants refine their ideas and move them toward successful implementation.
“The New West Experience is all about big ideas and local passion,” says Jasmine Crisp, Marketing Manager, Tourism New Westminster. “This contest is a creative way to reimagine New West through fresh ideas, stories, and a little creative spark. We can’t wait to see projects that inspire people to experience the city in new ways.”
Key Details
Submission deadline: October 31, 2025
Final pitch event: November 27, 2025, 5 to 8 pm at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster
Partnerships: NWX is led by Tourism New Westminster, with support from Pooni Group, Vintop Development, Destination British Columbia and the City of New Westminster
How to apply & get more info: Visit tourismnewwestmins
Social media: Get extra inspiration by following Tourism New Westminster on social media @tourismnewwest (Instagram and other platforms).
Tourism New Westminster is the official destination marketing organization for the city of New Westminster, British Columbia. Through innovative marketing campaigns and strategic initiatives, Tourism New Westminster strives to position the city as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences. New Westminster is an eclectic riverfront community just a 25-minute SkyTrain ride from Downtown Vancouver. The city offers a great selection of unique experiences, diverse independent restaurants, captivating galleries, performances, historic sites, and events—all with one of B.C.’s best riverside views. https://tourismnewwestminster.com/