Chautauqua County is inviting organizations, municipalities, businesses, and entrepreneurs to apply for the county's 2027 Tourism Product Development Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to support projects that attract visitors, strengthen tourism experiences, and drive economic growth throughout the county.
In 2024, tourism generated more than $300 million in economic activity in Chautauqua County, supporting approximately 4,500 jobs and producing nearly $24 million in local tax revenue.
The 3% Occupancy Tax Tourism Product Development Grant Program is designed to enhance Chautauqua County's visibility as a visitor destination and increase interest in the region's diverse attractions, experiences, and communities. By supporting innovative tourism initiatives, the program provides local businesses, entrepreneurs, municipalities, and organizations with opportunities to develop and promote experiences that attract visitors while contributing to long-term tourism growth and economic development.
Applications for programs and initiatives to catalyze awareness of Chautauqua County as a tourism destination are accepted online annually between July 1st and October 1st for funding in the following year. We are looking for projects that help attract visitors, particularly overnight guests, and highlight what makes Chautauqua County unique. The goal is not only to attract visitors, but also to create memorable experiences that encourage them to return again and again.
The Tourism Product Development Grant Program is funded through the county's 5% Occupancy Tax, which is generated from the rental of lodging units within the county. 60 cents of every occupancy tax dollar (3%) support tourism initiatives, while 40 cents (2%) is dedicated to improving and maintaining local waterways. Each year, a portion of the tourism allocation is reserved for Tourism Product Development Grants. Grant categories are reviewed and updated annually to reflect changes in the County's tourism economy and to align with local and regional development priorities.
This year, two grant categories will be offered: Placemaking & Attraction Development, and Marketing & Event Development. Funding levels, guidelines, and restrictions vary by category. Awards will be determined through a competitive application, review, and ranking process. Grant requests must be for a new project or a significant expansion or enhancement of an existing project.
Strong applications will focus on new or significantly expanded projects that create distinctive and memorable visitor experiences. Collaborative tourism projects that align attractions and events around shared goals and complement rather than replicate existing efforts are strongly encouraged.
Projects that capitalize on the shoulder seasons, demonstrate a path toward long-term sustainability, and show the potential to attract both public and private investment are especially encouraged. Applicants must include a plan for follow-up and demonstrate measurable outcomes, particularly increases in visitation from outside Chautauqua County. Reporting on these outcomes will be required as part of the final project report.
Applications will only be available online through the Planning and Development website. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.
Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other governmental entities, businesses/corporations, public or private schools, and property owners located within Chautauqua County will be eligible for grants of up to $15,000 for Placemaking & Attraction Development and up to $10,000 for Marketing & Event Development. There is a 1:1 match requirement.
Ineligible applications include projects focused on operational expenses, routine maintenance and repairs, general business growth or operations, locally focused initiatives, and projects that do not demonstrate a direct tourism benefit. A single project may receive funding for a maximum of three years.
For more information, review the FY 2027 guidelines at the Planning and Development website, or contact Stephanie Nick at (716) 661-8214 or [email protected].
