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 applications opened on September 1, 2022. Applications are accepted anytime, with awards made quarterly through 2025 (December 1st, March 1st, June 1st, September 1st). All projects must be completed by May 31, 2026. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
- Program Guidelines
- Informational Webinar (recording)
- Informational Webinar (slidedeck)
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. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
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. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
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. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
* The Implementation Grant is a 100% grant, no match by the applicant is required. Note that the maximum funding provided for this grant is $25,000 for each applicant.
UOT DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: Funding provided by the Utah Legislature/TMPF
The Utah Office of Tourism offers matching grants to counties, municipalities, tribes, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) interested in destination development. Working with consultants contracted with the Utah Office of Tourism, participating communities will receive on the ground technical and planning assistance that prepares them for future tourism development. Communities will progress through the programs sequentially, with each phase building on the work done in previous phases. Upon the successful completion of all three programs, participant communities will have the vision, guidance, tools, and confidence to direct tourism growth and development.
The following are examples of successful strategy and assessment deliverables:
- Community Assessment – Springdale Assessment
- Destination Development Strategy – Heber Valley Destination Development Plan
- Branding – Carbon Corridor Brand Guidelines and Ramblers Marketing Plan
Available opportunities include:
Community Assessment
Participants will be “secret shopped” by a consultant that will identify community strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities followed by a community workshop to present findings. Participants in the community assessment can expect to receive an unbiased, professional assessment of the community’s tourism assets. UOT’s contracted consulting firm will conduct an assessment of the participant community and vicinity in regards to its status as a destination. The consulting firm will present their findings in a public workshop and provide the community with a visual report of their findings. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
Participant cost: $12,500
Destination Development Strategy
Applicants will work with a consulting firm to create an action plan and strategy. UOT’s contracted consulting firm will work with participants to develop a tourism master plan for destination development and tourism economy expansion. The plan will identify goals, strategies, and action steps to implement the ideas and suggestions identified in the plan. Communities can expect regular meetings with the consultant, a week of on-site workshops, and a presentation of findings and conclusions. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
Participant cost: $20,000
Branding
Applicants will work with a consultant to create effective, exciting, and authentic destination brands along with a brand strategy plan to market to desired audiences. UOT’s contracted consulting firm will work with participants to create an authentic, compelling brand and strategy for use in messaging, marketing, and internal communications. The consultant will conduct on-site and online research in addition to providing regular update and feedback meetings. The consultant will present their results and provide the community with a marketing plan and any created assets. This grant program is temporarily on hold. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available.
Participant cost: $12,500
For questions of the Destination Development co-op opportunities, please contact Nan Anderson nan@capitolreefmedia.com
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