Tourist Product Development
The Five-Year Strategic Tourism Plan 2010 highlighted Pennsylvania’s ability to attract a consistent flow of visitors year around, but also recognized a need to develop assets to help increase visitor length of stays. Reversing this trend is the commonwealth’s most pressing tourism opportunity and challenge. The Tourist Product Development Program provides funding to support and develop heritage assets, enhance outdoor recreation and support the growth or development of various events.
Guidelines
Uses
Funds may be used to support events, facility enhancements, new construction and/or renovations, or for the development of marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns to build attendance. A primary goal of the program is to promote overnights stays. Applicants must, as part of the project narrative, explain how their project will meet this goal.
Funding
$5,000-$100,000
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.
Terms
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has developed a distinctive brand to position Pennsylvania as a top tourism destination. All promotional and marketing materials must include the Commonwealth’s branded logo that includes a link to the state’s tourism web site visitPA.com. Successful applicants are also required to have a direct link to visitPA.com on the home page of their web site. Logos can be found at www.newPA.com.
See FAQs for more terms.
Where to Apply
Customer Service Center, Single Application for Assistance
FAQs
A. An applicant may not make or authorize any substantial change to an approved project without first obtaining DCED’s consent in writing.
B. If the full amount of the grant is not required for the project, the unused portion shall be returned to the DCED.
C. Failure to comply with these Guidelines may result in penalties, including repayment of funds with interest.
D. When a project is funded, the recipient must place the grant funds in an interest bearing account. Any interest earned on invested grant funds must be returned to the Commonwealth.