Idaho Travel Council announces annual grant awards

During its meeting held in Pocatello at the end of July, the Idaho Travel Council granted $9,492,795 in tourism marketing funding to nonprofit organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.

Eligible award recipients include nonprofit local and regional tourism development organizations such as chambers of commerce, convention and visitor 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.

“Idaho’s tourism industry achieved another record year thanks to the work of our travel partners and team members,” Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey said. “The major increase in funds for new tourism marketing and regional grants will expand awareness of Idaho as a travel destination and positively impact our communities and businesses across our state."

Region 1 Idaho Travel Council Grant awardees for 2022:

• North Idaho Tourism Alliance — $220,200

• Coeur d'Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau — $1,237,600

• Post Falls Chamber of Commerce — $120,200

• Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce — $246,392

Idaho Tourism activities are funded by a 2% tax paid by travelers and collected by the state's hotel, motel, vacation rental and private campground owners. Nearly half of the funds collected are used for statewide programs targeted at domestic and international 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 the administration of the tourism office.

Total lodging tax collections for the fiscal year 2022 reached $20.6 million, reflecting a 39% increase over fiscal year 2021.