Overview

The Five-Year Strategic Tourism Plan 2010 highlighted Pennsylvania’s Ability to attract a consistent flow of visitors year round, but also recognized a need to develop assets to help increase visitor length of stays. This is Pennsylvania's most pressing tourism opportunity and challenge. The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program provides funding to support and development heritage assets, enhance outdoor recreation and support the growth or development of various events.

Guidelines

MarketingToAttractTourists_Guidelines_2012.pdf

Uses

A primary goal of the program is to promote overnight stays. Applicants should, as part of the project narrative, explain how their project will meet this goal.

Funding

Marketing to Attract Tourists

Eligibility

Non-profit organizations with a significant interest in the development of tourism product that provides a visitor experience to a tourist region, destination and/or attractions are eligible to apply.  Funds may be used to:

• support events

• fund facility enhancements

• support new construction and/or renovations

• develop marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns to build attendance

Terms

An applicant may not make or authorize any substantial change to an approved project without first obtaining DCED’s consent in writing.  If the full amount of the grant is not required for the project, the unused portion shall be returned to DCED.  Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in penalties, including repayment of funds with interest.  When a project is funded, the recipient must place the grant funds in an interest bearing account.  Any interest earned on invested grants funds must be returned to the state.

How to Apply

An applicant must follow the detailed instructions in the program guidelines for completing the DCED Electronic Single Application for Assistance.