Marketing to Attract Tourists Program

The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program is a grant initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) to support and develop international tourism, sports marketing, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions throughout the state. The program is authorized under Section 3 of the Act of May 10, 1939 (P.L. 111), known as the Commerce Law. The program funds non-profit organizations that contribute to the development of tourism-related projects that attract visitors and generate overnight stays. Grants can be used for events, facility enhancements, new construction, renovations, marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns. Program Goals Increase tourism-related economic activity by supporting projects that attract visitors. Encourage overnight stays as a key measure of success. Promote Pennsylvania as a top tourism destination by ensuring funded projects include Commonwealth branding and marketing partnerships. Eligibility Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organizations with a significant interest in developing tourism within Pennsylvania. Eligible Activities: Events that drive tourism Facility enhancements New construction and renovations Marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as overnight stays, public relations impact, and attendance metrics. Application Process Applications must be submitted electronically through the DCED Single Application for Assistance Portal: dced.pa.gov/singleapp. Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year. Required Application Components: Organizational mission statement Project goals and objectives Expected measurable outcomes (e.g., visitor numbers, booked room nights) Project schedule with milestones Budget documentation (including consulting, legal, or accounting costs) DCED reserves the right to request additional information or modifications. Selection Process Projects are reviewed throughout the fiscal year based on eligibility, objectives, and expected outcomes. Successful applicants receive a contract and funds are disbursed via ACH transfer. Grants of $100,000 or more require an audit, while smaller grants require a Grant Close-out Report (GCR). Applicants with outstanding compliance issues (e.g., incomplete audits from previous grants) are ineligible for funding. Commonwealth Branding Requirement Grantees must include Pennsylvania’s official tourism logo in all promotional materials. A direct link to VisitPA.com must be placed on the organization’s website. Logos and branding guidelines can be accessed at visitpa.com/PA-logos.

The program emphasizes the importance of adhering to project guidelines, with any substantial changes requiring written consent from the DCED. Unused grant funds must be returned, and any interest earned on grant funds must be repaid to the state. Applicants are required to place grant funds in an interest-bearing account, and failure to comply with program guidelines may result in penalties, including the repayment of funds with interest. The application process includes submitting a detailed proposal outlining the intended use of funds, marketing strategies, and anticipated economic impact.