NEWS RELEASE:  For Immediate Release

Contact: Laurie McConnell
Idaho Tourism
208.287.0781
laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov                 

Idaho Travel Council Announces Annual Grant Awards
Over $5.8 Million Awarded for Tourism Promotion

BOISE, Idaho (July 28, 2020) During its meeting held in Island Park this week, the Idaho Travel Council (ITC) granted $5,867,607 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, convention and visitors bureaus and regional travel organizations. Grant recipients 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, industry research, and the creation of websites.

“The Idaho travel and tourism industry is a key driver of our economy. We are working together with many stakeholders to rebound in the coming year,” said Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey. “Restarting and growing the tourism industry has a positive impact on communities and businesses across Idaho. Our Commerce Department and the Idaho Travel Council are focused on maximizing our statewide tourism marketing efforts. Our grant program expands awareness of Idaho and influences travel to our state’s incredible destinations.”

This year’s grant award recipients are:

Applicant Amount Awarded
REGION 1  
North Idaho Tourism Alliance (NITA) $105,500
Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) $728,000
Post Falls Chamber of Commerce $76,500
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce $187,000
REGION 2
Visit Lewis Clark Valley $99,000
North Central Idaho Travel Assoc (NCITA) $57,704
Moscow Chamber of Commerce $99,000
REGION 3  
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce DBA Boise CVB $1,043,644
Cascade Chamber of Commerce $72,680
Nampa Chamber of Commerce $82,800
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau $303,356
Southwest Idaho Travel Assoc (SWITA) $523,821
REGION 4  
Southern Idaho Tourism $350,817
REGION 5  
Southeast Idaho High Country Tourism $125,989
Greater Pocatello Convention & Visitors Bureau $156,250
Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau $42,500
REGION 6  
Yellowstone Teton Territory (YTT) $459,000
Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce $295,000
Teton Regional Economic Coalition Inc (TREC) $143,000
REGION 7  
Hailey Chamber of Commerce Inc $93,154
Lemhi County Economic Development Assoc (LCEDA) $29,000
Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce $60,637
Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce $2,222
Challis Chamber of Commerce $11,000
Sun Valley Marketing Alliance Inc $446,000
MULTI REGION  
Idaho Ski Areas Assoc (ISAA) $75,400
Idaho Outfitters & Guides Assoc (IOGA) $85,500
Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Assoc (ILRA) $30,733
Idaho RV Campgrounds Assoc (IRVCA) $82,400
TOTAL 2020 ITC GRANT AWARDS $5,867,607

Tourism is a $3.7 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 travelers, 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 2020 reached $13.1 million, reflecting a decline of 3.91% over the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Idaho Tourism

Idaho Tourism serves to inspire travelers to visit and experience Idaho’s diverse, unique beauty, western culture and history, and outdoor adventure opportunities through engaging, helpful tips, information, and resources. Tourism is Idaho’s third largest Industry and Idaho Tourism is committed to growing Idaho’s economy through targeted, impactful promotions. Go to visitidaho.org to plan your Idaho vacation.

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Posted in Travel