Applications are now open – closing 15 October 2025

Do you have a bold new tourism idea or a project ready to grow? The Destination Inspiration Mentoring Program is designed to help operators across the Murray region turn their ideas into reality with expert tailored support.

Whether you attended the Corowa Destination Inspiration event or couldn’t make it on the day, you’re encouraged to apply. All ideas will be considered with additional weighting given to those who participated in the workshop.

Apply now or keep scrolling to find out more!

About the Program

Delivered in partnership with KO Tourism, this free six-month mentoring program helps businesses accelerate product development and transform ideas into new or enhanced visitor experiences. Up to 10 participants will be selected for the 2025–26 program, which runs from October 2025 to February 2026.

Participants work one-on-one with an experienced mentor through each stage of experience development from refining the concept and building a business plan to marketing, launch and pitching to industry partners.

Program Format

The mentoring journey is structured into four key phases designed to move your idea from concept to market-ready product:

1. Establish

  • In-person site visit (up to 3 hours)

    • Meet your mentor on-site

    • Set goals and objectives

    • Develop a customised mentoring plan

    • Refine your product concept

Online Group Meeting 1

  • 2-hour video call
    • Brings all mentees together for a collaborative workshop focused on introductions, shared learning and building connections across the cohort

2. Develop

  • Four × 60-minute one-on-one video calls

    • Business planning, detailed concept development and experience design

Online Group Meeting 2

  • 2-hour video call
    • Brings the mentee group together again to share progress and strengthen industry network

3. Promote

  • Two × 60-minute one-on-one video calls

  • Marketing plan development and sales/distribution strategy

4. Sell

  • Two × 60-minute one-on-one video calls

  • Product testing and launch

Product Showcase

  • Online video call

    • Participants pitch their product to destination partners

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for passionate tourism operators and businesses across the Murray region who:

  • Have an idea that aligns with one or more of the region’s experience pillars: Wellness, Agritourism, First Nations or Sustainability

  • Are motivated and equipped to bring their project to life

  • Have a concept that could increase visitation and strengthen the regional visitor economy

  • Are addressing a gap in the current market

  • Have a new product or experience component

  • Would benefit from targeted mentoring support to succeed

Key Details

  • Applications close: 15 October 2025

  • Program dates: October 2025 – February 2026

  • Cost: Free

  • Spaces available: Up to 10

Couldn’t Attend the Corowa Workshop?

No problem. Applications are open to all operators across the Murray region. Attendance at the Corowa workshop will be recognised in the assessment process but it’s not a requirement to apply.

And if you missed out this year, there’s another opportunity ahead. Our next Destination Inspiration event will be held in Mildura in 2026.

Apply Now

Ready to take your idea to the next level?

Apply now -  applications close 15 October 2025

For more information, email us at [email protected]