PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau is offering $45,000 in grant funding to qualified programs focused on promoting tourism.
The first round of grant applications for the 2017 Tourism Enhancement Grants program are due Wednesday for consideration at the February board meeting.
Future grant application deadlines are April 1, Sept. 1 and Nov. 1.
In 2016, 15 grants were awarded. They supported tourism collateral production, promotion of area festivals and events, and website development.
“Tourism is the front door to economic development,” said Marsha Massey, executive director of the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau.
“Our overnight visitors contribute strongly to our local economy, not only to lodging establishments but also to restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, retail shops, outfitters and attractions.
“We are eager to work with stakeholders to create new possibilities to promote Clallam County and the Olympic Peninsula, particularly in our shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.”
Funds for the program are derived from revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax on lodging facilities in unincorporated Clallam County.
Lodging tax revenue is designated for the promotion of tourism to encourage long-term economic growth through tourism-related projects or events that attract overnight guests to the destination.
Grant applications will be reviewed at the February, April, September and November board meetings, as long as funds are available.
Applications must be submitted for consideration by the first day of the month prior to the scheduled review meeting.
Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.olympic peninsula.org/page/tourism-grants.
For more information, call Massey at 360-452-8552.
