LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM RELEASES APPLICATION FOR
FY19 COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
Grant Supports Marketing Initiatives for Tourism Events having a Positive Impact on Louisiana Economy
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of Tourism released the application for the FY19 Competitive Grant Program (CGP). Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 30, 2018. Through the CGP, the Louisiana Office of Tourism awards grants to help fund marketing initiatives associated with eligible tourism events held throughout Louisiana from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. The grants are aimed at increasing and improving out-of-state visitation and economic impact in all areas around the state.
“As the state faces increasingly tough budget issues, we feel very fortunate to be able to continue such a worthwhile program. Every dollar we spend promoting Louisiana and our events brings us a return on investment of $40. This is the reason we need to continue programs like this that help in expanding our promotional efforts to attract more visitors to come to Louisiana and Feed Your Soul,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
“The more people we can reach, the more the state and our parishes will benefit,” said Assistant Secretary Doug Bourgeois. “These grants provide the extra support many of our events need to further promote the state as a desirable tourist destination where you can get those authentic experiences that will Feed Your Soul, whether that is art, music, culture, cuisine, or great outdoor activities.”
One grant, up to a maximum of $10,000, is awarded per event per year. Events need to apply for the grant every year, with a three consecutive year limit. After receiving a program grant for a third consecutive year, a tourism event will be ineligible for another grant for one complete grant cycle.
A tourism event is an event in Louisiana that is a time-bound, non-continuous activity attracting visitors from beyond a 50-mile radius of the event and creates a positive perception of Louisiana as a tourism destination. If the event is a first-time event, meaning it has not occurred in the past 10 years and has never received a grant award, the applicant must submit a letter from the local Convention and Visitors Bureau or Destination Marketing Organization certifying it as such.
A grant award winner is eligible to receive reimbursement of 50 percent of the total cost of pre-approved qualified marketing expenses associated with the promotion of the event up to the maximum amount of the award. For example, a $1,000 qualifying marketing expense is eligible for reimbursement of $500. A first time tourism event is eligible for receive a reimbursement of 66 percent for a pre-approved qualifying marketing expense. For example, a $1,000 qualifying marketing expense is eligible for a reimbursement of $660. Following the event, a single payment will be made on a reimbursement basis upon submission of an invoice, final report, and appropriate support documentation of expenses.
For more information on the FY19 Competitive Grant Program and to access the application, please click
here
.
