Archive: Around Town

The Tompkins County Tourism Program, upon the recommendation of the Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPB), awarded over $220,000 in grants to 40 organizations following approval from the County Legislature.

The Tompkins County Tourism Program annually invests over $2.5 million in local hotel room occupancy tax dollars in community-based tourism to promote economic development and enhance quality of life. This program is guided by the STPB. Tourism grants have supported the activities of dozens of local organizations contributing to local tourism and community vitality. In 2017 tourism in Tompkins County supported 3,700 local jobs, generated $216 million in visitor spending, and raised more than $16.2 million in local tax revenues.

Grants were awarded in three categories:

Tourism Project Grants – funding for efforts that draw visitors to Tompkins County for overnight stays or accomplish critical actions listed in the "2020 Strategic Tourism Plan." o $137,500 was awarded for 21 applications
Tourism Marketing & Advertising Grants – funding for marketing and advertising campaigns that attract visitors from outside Tompkins County. o $54,000 was awarded for 19 applications
Community Celebrations Grants – funding for local events that convey our unique culture and history. o $28,838 was awarded for 22 applications



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