Idaho awards tourism promotion grants
Regional Chambers of Commerce now know how much funding they’ll have to promote Idaho’s $4 billion tourism industry within their communities next year.
The Idaho Travel Council granted a total of $6,141,270 in marketing funding to non-profit organizations participating in the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program. The funding comes mostly from a 2% hotel-motel room tax. 45% of the total is used for statewide promotional programs, 45% is returned to local programs, and 10% is used for administration of the Tourism Development division.
Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations like chambers of commerce or convention and visitors bureaus. They use the grants to promote cities, towns, and regions as travel destinations. The program elements include such things as print and digital advertising, videography, brochures, attendance at travel shows, public relations, direct mail, industry research, and the creation of websites.
Applicant
Amount Awarded
REGION 1
Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau
$ 715,000
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce
$ 205,000
North Idaho Tourism Alliance (NITA)
$ 108,000
Post Falls Chamber of Commerce
$ 75,500
REGION 2
Hells Canyon VB dba Visit Lewis Clark Valley
$ 99,000
Moscow Chamber of Commerce
$ 99,638
North Central Idaho Travel Assoc (NCITA)
$ 94,068
REGION 3
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce DBA Boise CVB
$ 1,144,258
Cascade Chamber of Commerce
$ 79,000
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce
$ 329,735
Nampa Chamber of Commerce
$ 90,000
Southwest Idaho Travel Assoc (SWITA)
$ 570,458
REGION 4
Southern Idaho Tourism (SIT)
$ 389,790
REGION 5
Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
$ 47,000
Southeast Idaho High Country Tourism
$ 137,174
Pocatello Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
$ 170,800
REGION 6
Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
$ 290,000
Teton Regional Economic Coalition
$ 157,000
Yellowstone Teton Territory (YTT)
$ 461,844
REGION 7
Hailey Chamber of Commerce
$85,250
Lemni County Economic Development Ass.
$26,500
Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce
$79,000
Sun Valley Marketing Alliance Inc
$ 405,526
Challis Chamber
$ 6,910
MULTI REGION
Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Assoc (ILRA)
$ 30,700
Idaho Outfitters & Guides Assoc (IOGA)
$ 93,000
Idaho RV Campgrounds Assoc (IRVCA)
$ 86,919
Idaho Ski Areas Assoc (ISAA)
$ 64,200
TOTAL 2019 ITC GRANT AWARDS
$ 6,141,270
“Travel and tourism continue to have a positive impact on Idaho’s economy,” said Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey. “This growth benefits businesses and communities of all sizes, and we are proud of our statewide marketing efforts and the grant program for keeping Idaho top of mind and influencing travel to our many incredible destinations.”
