Schuylkill Joins Colorado, Montana, Pennsylvania, Utah and Seattle to Unlock Millions in Tourism Marketing Grants, A Game-Changer for U.S. Travel, Unlocking Funding for Local Businesses and Communities

Published on
February 11, 2026

In an exciting development, Schuylkill has joined forces with Colorado, Montana, Pennsylvania Utah, and Seattle to unlock millions in tourism marketing grants, making it a game-changer for U.S. travel. This initiative is designed to fuel tourism recovery by providing crucial funding to local businesses and communities. By gaining access to these grants, regions can now promote their unique destinations, attract more overnight visitors, and ultimately stimulate local economies. The funding will help businesses reach new markets, supporting marketing campaigns across various platforms, from digital content to event promotions.

This influx of grants not only promises to enhance the travel experience but also opens doors for businesses to thrive, making it a monumental step toward revitalizing the tourism industry. It’s an exciting moment for regions looking to boost their tourism sectors and secure a bright future ahead.

In 2026, there are several regional and federal tourism grant programs available that could significantly impact local businesses in areas like Pennsylvania, Colorado, Montana, Utah, and more. From state-driven efforts to nationwide initiatives, these grants are designed to help businesses and tourism organisations expand their marketing efforts and create campaigns that attract tourists, encouraging longer stays.

What Are Tourism Grants and Why Are They Important?

Tourism grants are financial support provided by local, state, or federal governments to help businesses, non-profits, and other tourism stakeholders improve their marketing and promotional activities. These grants are particularly beneficial for tourism destinations because they allow communities to target potential visitors in innovative and creative ways, increasing footfall and overnight stays.

For local tourism-related businesses, these grants offer an invaluable opportunity to expand their reach. Grants typically cover a range of promotional activities, such as advertising, digital content creation, event marketing, and more. The aim is simple: attract visitors to the area, ensure they stay longer, and, ultimately, boost the local economy.

In this article, we’ll explore the top tourism grants in the U.S. that are ready to help regional businesses stand out and achieve long-term growth.

1. Explore Schuylkill 2026 Tourism Marketing Mini Grant Program – Pennsylvania

Schuylkill County, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, has launched the Explore Schuylkill 2026 Tourism Marketing Mini Grant Program, a funding initiative that promises to help local tourism businesses reach a wider audience.

This program is aimed at increasing overnight tourism in Schuylkill County, which will directly support local businesses such as accommodations, restaurants, transportation services, and retail outlets. Businesses can apply for mini grants ranging from $250 to $3,000, and these funds can be used for various marketing purposes, including digital advertising, television commercials, and even event promotions.

Applications for the grant program are open until March 6, 2026, and businesses interested in expanding their marketing reach and attracting more overnight visitors are encouraged to apply.

This grant is a golden opportunity for businesses in Schuylkill County to tap into state-funded resources that can enhance their promotional activities and make their destinations more appealing to visitors.

2. U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Grants – Nationwide

The EDA Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Grants represent a significant nationwide funding opportunity. With over $750 million allocated to support tourism recovery, these grants aim to bolster the recovery of travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors hit hard by the pandemic.

The program is divided into two key funding streams:

• $510 million allocated to state tourism offices, which will support tourism marketing, infrastructure, and workforce development.
• $240 million in competitive grants, designed to help the communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

These grants are open to state tourism offices and local governments to develop projects that will help rebuild the tourism economy and increase visitation. Marketing campaigns, destination branding, and outdoor recreation initiatives can all benefit from this funding.

This initiative is vital because it ensures that states and communities can promote their tourism offerings while also investing in long-term projects that will benefit tourism for years to come. The program’s focus on outdoor recreation aligns perfectly with the growing trend for eco-tourism, making it an essential opportunity for U.S. destinations seeking to tap into this market.

3. Colorado Tourism Office – Tourism Marketing Grant – Colorado

The Colorado Tourism Office provides grants specifically designed to support businesses in the state looking to attract visitors. This program aims to expand tourism marketing campaigns that focus on attracting overnight visitors, which is crucial for local businesses that rely on tourism to fuel their economies.

With grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,000, this program offers a substantial amount of funding to support the creation of marketing campaigns across various media, including digital and print advertising. The funds can also be used for event marketing and tourism outreach initiatives.

In addition to these grants, the Colorado Tourism Office also runs a matching fund program that requires applicants to contribute a portion of their marketing costs. This encourages local businesses to invest in their own success, ensuring that the grants are used for effective, impactful campaigns.

For businesses in Colorado, this grant program provides the perfect platform to promote the state’s natural beauty and unique tourism experiences to both in-state and out-of-state visitors.

4. Pennsylvania’s Marketing to Attract Tourists Program – Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has its own tourism marketing initiative aimed at attracting tourists from outside the state. The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program offers financial support to destination marketing organizations (DMOs), tourism-related businesses, and local governments in Pennsylvania that wish to expand their tourism efforts.

Grants from this program can be used for targeted marketing campaigns, including digital ads, print materials, and social media promotions. Pennsylvania is one of the U.S.’s most popular tourist destinations, and this program ensures that businesses in the state can continue to attract more visitors while building stronger tourism infrastructures.

This program is ideal for Pennsylvania businesses that want to enhance their visibility and expand their reach to tourists from neighbouring states and beyond.

5. Montana Tourism Development Grant Program – Montana

Montana is known for its stunning landscapes, national parks, and outdoor adventures, which draw tourists from across the U.S. The Montana Tourism Development Grant Program provides funding to local businesses and organizations that want to expand tourism marketing efforts. The state government encourages businesses to apply for funding that supports marketing campaigns, event promotions, and tourism infrastructure development.

The grant can cover various marketing activities, such as creating ads, developing digital content, and promoting local events that attract overnight visitors. The Montana Tourism Development Grant Program offers an excellent opportunity for businesses in the state to showcase their tourism offerings to a broader audience.

6. Utah Office of Tourism – Co‑operative Marketing Program Grants – Utah

Utah has launched its Co‑operative Marketing Program Grants aimed at attracting out-of-state visitors. This program offers matching funds for marketing campaigns that target potential visitors beyond Utah’s borders.

Grants are available for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and regional tourism partnerships that seek to collaborate on advertising and promotions. The grants cover a wide range of tourism activities, including digital advertising, co-branded campaigns, and event promotion.

With a matching fund requirement, applicants must raise part of the funds themselves, ensuring that businesses are committed to the success of the campaigns. The program is particularly beneficial for Utah’s thriving tourism sector, as it helps draw more visitors to the state’s national parks, outdoor experiences, and vibrant cities.

7. Port of Seattle Tourism Marketing Support Program – Seattle, Washington

For businesses in Seattle and the surrounding areas, the Port of Seattle’s Tourism Marketing Support Program offers an exciting opportunity. The program provides up to $20,000 in funding to help local tourism businesses reach out to potential visitors from outside the region.

Seattle is a major gateway for both international and domestic tourists, and the Port of Seattle’s program focuses on increasing tourism by supporting joint marketing efforts. Funds can be used for advertising, promotional campaigns, and visitor outreach to increase awareness of Seattle’s attractions and amenities.

This program is especially valuable for local tourism organisations and businesses looking to boost their visibility and increase their share of the growing tourism market.

8. Federal Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) – Nationwide

The Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) is a federal initiative designed to support tourism development on tribal lands. These grants help tribal nations enhance their tourism capacity, improve infrastructure, and promote their unique cultural offerings to tourists.

The TTGP program provides vital funding for marketing, tourism infrastructure, and capacity-building projects that directly benefit tribal communities. With growing interest in cultural and heritage tourism, these grants offer tribes an essential tool to attract visitors, promote their history and traditions, and create sustainable tourism initiatives.

Conclusion: The Future of U.S. Tourism is Bright with Grants

The tourism grant programs available across the United States in 2026 offer an invaluable opportunity for businesses, local governments, and organizations to boost their marketing efforts, attract visitors, and strengthen the tourism economy. Whether it’s the small-town charm of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the rugged beauty of Montana, or the vibrant landscapes of Utah and Colorado, these grants can empower tourism businesses to increase their reach, enhance their services, and create experiences that will bring visitors back year after year.

By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, U.S. destinations can continue to thrive and provide visitors with unforgettable experiences that will keep them coming back for more.

In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism, these grants stand as a beacon of hope for struggling businesses, offering the support they need to stay competitive and relevant. The future of U.S. tourism is not only about the beautiful destinations, but also the robust marketing campaigns that showcase them to the world.