During its meeting held in Twin Falls last week, the Idaho Travel Council (ITC) granted $6,141,270 in tourism marketing funding to non-profit organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.
Eligible award recipients include non-profit local and regional tourism development organizations such as chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus. The organizations use their awarded grant dollars to promote cities, towns and regions of the state as travel destinations. Program elements are varied, but often include print and digital advertising, videography, brochures, attendance at travel shows, public relations, direct mail, industry research, and the creation of websites.
“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.”
This year’s grant award recipients are:
|
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 |
|
Lemhi County Economic Development Assoc |
$ 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 |
|
|
|
Tourism is a nearly $4 billion industry in Idaho. Idaho Commerce – Tourism Development activities are funded by a 2% tax paid by travelers, and collected by the state's hotel, motel, vacation rental and private campground owners. 45% of the funds collected are used for statewide programs targeted to international and domestic consumers, tour operators, travel agents, travel journalists and content creators. Another 45% is distributed back to communities through the grant program. The remaining 10% is used for administration of the Tourism Development division.
Total lodging tax collections for Fiscal Year 2019 reached $13.6 million, an increase of 9.46% over the previous year.
For more information on the ITC Grant program, click here. For a history of the grant awards, click here. For a complete list of Idaho Travel Council members, click here.