The GO Laurel Highlands (GO LH) Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program (WCTGP) aims to significantly increase visitation to Westmoreland County and the broader Laurel Highlands region. This initiative is designed to generate positive economic impact and support job growth within the tourism sector. The program's core mission aligns with strengthening the vitality of the tourism and hospitality community, ultimately leading to increased economic activity by attracting visitors who reside beyond a 50-mile radius of Westmoreland County. The grant program seeks to enhance the region's appeal as a tourist destination, thereby contributing to the economic well-being of the local communities.
The target beneficiaries of the WCTGP are nonprofit and for-profit businesses operating within the tourism and hospitality industry in Westmoreland County. The impact goals are centered on driving overnight stays, enhancing existing attractions, developing new tourism products, and supporting special events, exhibits, and festivals that draw visitors from outside the immediate area. The program prioritizes marketing and advertising campaigns that effectively reach external audiences, collaborative partnerships within the three-county region, and established multi-day annual events. New or one-day events may be less likely to receive funding, emphasizing the program's focus on sustainable and impactful tourism initiatives.
The program offers three main types of grants: Marketing Grants, Tourism Enhancement/Capital Project Grants, and Visitor Center Grants. Marketing Grants support activities like website development, creative services, printing, brochure distribution, and advertising in media primarily reaching out-of-county visitors. Tourism Enhancement/Capital Project Grants fund capital improvements to tourist attractions and amenities that enhance the visitor experience. Visitor Center Grants cover operational expenses for visitor centers in recognized "Great Allegheny Passage Trail Towns" within Westmoreland County, including staffing and standard operational costs.
Expected outcomes of the WCTGP include a measurable increase in tourism visitation and overnight stays, leading to greater economic activity and job creation in the tourism sector. The program also anticipates an enhancement of the overall visitor experience in Westmoreland County through improved attractions and amenities. Grants are funded between $10,000 and $100,000, with specific disbursement guidelines: grants of $25,000 or less are issued in full, while those above $25,000 receive an initial check of $25,000. All funded projects must be utilized between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and require a 25% match on the requested grant amount, aligning with Pennsylvania Act 18. This co-investment strategy ensures shared commitment and maximizes the impact of the grant funds.
