Tourism Promotion Grant

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) administers the Tourism Promotion Grant Program with the mission of bolstering tourism and economic growth throughout Haywood County, North Carolina. Funded through occupancy tax revenues, this program supports projects that attract out-of-county visitors and enhance local quality of life. The program specifically targets not-for-profit organizations and tourism-related groups aiming to bring new or increased visitation through impactful events, campaigns, and research efforts. The program is divided into three distinct subcategories: Advertising, Events, and Market Research. Each subcategory supports a different strategic goal but is unified under the broader objective of promoting Haywood County as a vibrant travel destination. Advertising grants can be used for digital efforts such as paid search, YouTube, programmatic display, and social media, as well as traditional advertising like billboards, travel guides, and co-op marketing campaigns through Visit NC. Events funding helps develop new or existing festivals and activities that draw overnight visitors, particularly those traveling from more than 50 miles away. The Market Research subcategory focuses on data collection and analysis to support evidence-based marketing and tourism planning. According to the North Carolina General Statutes, tourism promotion includes activities such as advertising or marketing an area or activity, publishing promotional materials, conducting market research, and any similar actions that attract tourists or business travelers. The program’s goals align with this definition, aiming to expand the tourism season, increase overnight stays, and reach target demographics, which include couples aged 25–40, young families with school-aged children, singles interested in culture and cuisine, and visitors from key origin markets such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville. To apply, applicants must participate in at least one of the designated Grant Coaching Sessions scheduled prior to the application deadline. The grant cycle opens on December 8, 2025. Coaching sessions will be held on January 9, January 14, and February 12, 2026. Completed applications must be submitted by March 17, 2026, at 5 PM. Additional requested materials are due by April 9, 2026, and a two-stage review process follows. Recommendations will be voted on by the PDC on May 13, with final approvals by the TDA Board on May 27. Applicants will receive decisions by May 29, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with tourism objectives, the potential to attract overnight guests, quality of the marketing plan, and alignment with the county’s target demographics and market regions. Projects must demonstrate the ability to produce measurable results in terms of visitation and visitor engagement. While the exact funding range is not specified, the program seeks initiatives with meaningful reach and return on investment. No matching requirement was indicated in the available materials, and no specific floor or ceiling funding limits were stated. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the relevant application documents available through the HCTDA website for each subcategory. Support is available throughout the process via coaching sessions and direct communication with HCTDA staff at 828-944-0761. The grant program appears to recur annually, with structured deadlines and timelines that suggest a consistent funding cycle.

Prioritize overnight visitation; align with target demographics and DMA regions; enhance visitor value proposition