The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation - Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CAEDC-CVVB) is pleased to announce another round of Tourism Grants this summer.

Cumberland Valley, PA (May 12, 2014) - The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation - Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CAEDC-CVVB) is pleased to announce another round of Tourism Grants this summer. Since 2010, the CAEDC-CVVB has awarded nearly $189,000 in grants to fund over 40 projects representing heritage, cultural, agricultural and experiential tourism.

This cycle, up to $75,000 of the Cumberland Valley's Lodging Tax will be designated for a grant program that will support marketing initiatives and tourism capital improvements. These projects must be designed to either increase visitation to Cumberland Valley or enhance the visitor's experience.

Marketing initiative grant projects can include the printing and design of experiential brochures, professional photography or video, the creation of experiential tours and/or agricultural experiences, and advertising for major events. Tourism capital improvements include various types of signage, streetscape and interior improvements, upgrades for technology at attractions, outdoor and agricultural support, shuttles for visitors, and outdoor recreation items (ATVs, bicycles, kayaks, etc.) that visitors can rent.

In order to be eligible to participate in the Tourism Grant Program, applicants must be located in Cumberland County, PA and be a for-profit, not-for-profit or governmental enterprise. The applicant must be able to match each grant dollar by half and requests may not exceed $25,000. Applicants must also submit the 2014 Tourism Grant Application within the time frames below.

2014 TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM TIMELINE:

  • Deadline for Communicating Intent to File - July 11, 2014
  • Deadline for Applications to be Submitted - July 25, 2014
  • Awards will be Announced - August 29, 2014
  • Award Letters will be Distributed - October 2014
  • Awards Announced at Tourism Conference - November 12, 2014
  • Final Project Report - No later than April 29, 2016

Awards are granted on the basis of merit and determined by an independent Grant Review Panel. This grant program is funded and administered by CAEDC-CVVB.

Visit www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/newsroom/tourismgrants for the Grant Program Overview, Grant Program Details, the Grant Program Application and other helpful documents. If you have any further questions about the 2014 Tourism Grant Program please contact Ashley Kurtz, at (717) 240-7192 or akurtz@visitcumberlandvalley.com.

The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland Valley as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.