The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to provide 2 major levels of programming to support local tourism initiatives, the first is a series of opportunities funded by the EDA – see information and details below. The second level of support is provided annually by the Utah Legislature, via the Tourism Marketing Performance Fund – the UOT Destination Development Grants.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) GRANTS: Funding provided by the US Federal Government
In 2021 the Utah Office of Tourism received a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to aid the recovery and resilience of the tourism industry. Using this funding, UOT is pleased to offer three opportunities designed to help Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and other stakeholders develop, market, and manage new and existing tourism assets.
The application portal for Round 2 will open on Tuesday, August 1 and close on the extended deadline of Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm.
- Who is eligible to apply
- What projects qualify
- The consultants and vendors involved
- How to maximize your score
- EDA requirements
- Timeline from applying, evaluating, awards, EDA approval, next steps, etc.
- Q & A session
1. Product Development Studios – no match required
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support new product development by providing applicants with training opportunities and consulting services focused on a specific type of tourism product. Recipients of the grant will receive technical assistance from a qualified consultant(s) to focus regional and local efforts on product development and management. This grant will convene stakeholders to create a shared vision, organization, and strategy for the development, marketing, and management of specific products, amenities, or activities.
2. Feasibility & Economic Impact Studies – no match required
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support destination development and management by providing funding for the study of tourism product feasibility and true economic impact. Grant awardees will receive technical assistance from a qualified consultant to study and analyze the feasibility and/or current or projected impact of a tourism asset or type of tourism. .
3. Implementation Grant – no match required
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support local tourism investment by providing eligible applicants to $25,000 in grant funding to implement non-construction action items found in strategic plans to increase a destination’s management, marketing, and development abilities.
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For questions of the Destination Development co-op opportunities, please contact Kevin Blomquist, [email protected]