10 Tourism Grants to Help Towns Recover This Holiday Season

In the wake of the COVID-pandemic, many states have struggled to bring in tourism dollars. Between lockdowns, shutdowns, regulations, and mandates, people are not traveling like before. This is a major problem, considering that for so many states the tourism industry can be considered a decent chunk of state revenue.

Especially during the holiday season, it is important to acknowledge the need for tourism and travel grants. According to the U.S. Travel Association, road travel was at pre-pandemic levels over the Thanksgiving holiday and was 4 percent below where it was in 2019.

Here Are Some Other Tourism Statistics

• The tourism industry lost 1.5% of global gross domestic product after four months of being shut down.
• As of May 4, 2020, international flights had decreased by 80 percent from where they were in 2019.
• Before the pandemic, the travel industry accounted for 15.8 million American jobs.

Obviously, it’s important to note that millions of jobs all over the country are supported by tourism. This includes restaurants, vendors, travel companies, and government employees specifically focused on tourism. That means that the impact the tourism industry has is widespread, and goes beyond just venues and sporting events. GrantWatch has a category for travel and tourism grants on its website. And today, GrantWatch is sharing 10 of these grants below that are currently available.

10 Tourism Industry Grants to Help with Recovery and Development

1. Firstly, there are grants to U.S. nonprofits, agencies, IHEs, tribes, and district organizations to support the tourism industry’s recovery efforts from COVID-19. The funding will cover travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation projects that include non-construction and construction activities.
2. There are also grants of up to $20,000 to Wisconsin destination marketing organizations to host sports competitions that will have a positive economic impact.
3. Funding of up to $14,000 to Alberta nonprofits in eligible locations to support arts and cultural festivals benefitting the community.
4. In addition, there are grants for Illinois nonprofits, agencies, and for-profits to increase tourism in the wake of the pandemic.
5. Grants to New Hampshire organizations to enhance tourism within the state. Funding is to increase the number of tourists and build an image of New Hampshire as a destination.
6. There are also grants to Georgia organizations to host sporting events that stimulate the economy and encourage tourism. The grant is to attract visitors who will stay overnight in the Savannah and Chatham County area.
7. Additionally, there is funding to Montana organizations and individuals to enhance the tourism industry in eligible locations. The purpose of this program is to increase visitation and support Helena’s lodging partners.
8. Grants to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations to promote local tourism opportunities. Funding is to support advertising for events that enhance the tourism industry and generate jobs for local residents.
9. As well as grants of up to $15,000 to Arkansas counties and cities to support research projects related to local tourist attractions. Funding is to support studies that will examine the potential of local sites and events to attract visitors.
10. Finally, there are grants of up to $2,500 and grants of up to $5,000 to Alabama nonprofits for marketing to promote tourism. Funding will help defray costs associated with brochures, websites, smartphone apps, and advertising.