2018 tourism project grant funds available

The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau (OPVB) is seeking applications for tourism project grants, primarily to support shoulder season activities within Clallam County.

The bureau awards grants four times during the year. The next grant deadline is April 2, two weeks prior to an OPVB board meeting on Wednesday, April 18, where the applications will be considered for funding.

Currently, $28,000 remains for 2018 grants.

Subsequent deadlines for 2018 are Sept. 4 and Nov. 1, pending availability of funds.

Grants support tourism collateral production, promotion of area festivals and events, and website development, primarily within Clallam County.

Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.olympicpeninsula.org/page/tourism-grants.

Call Marsha Massey, Executive Director of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, for more information at 360-452-8552, for those organizations interested in applying for a grant.

Funds for this grant program are derived from revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax on lodging facilities in unincorporated Clallam County.

Lodging tax revenue is designated for the promotion of tourism to encourage long-term economic growth through tourism-related projects or events that attract overnight guests to the destination.

“Tourism to the Olympic Peninsula, including Clallam County, is economic development, “Massey said.

“Our overnight visitors help support our local economy, not only in lodging establishments, but also in restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, retail shops, outfitters and attractions. Visitor spending helps support jobs across a wide group of businesses and generates significant state and local tax revenues.

“We are eager to work with stakeholders to create new possibilities to promote Clallam County and the Olympic Peninsula, particularly in our shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.”