Idaho Travel Council details state tourism grant awards

During its recent meeting in Wallace, the Idaho Travel Council granted $5,590,819 in tourism marketing funding to non-profit organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program. Among the group’s receiving grants was the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, which received a $180,000 grant.

Also receiving awards from Region 1 were the Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau, $638,000; North Idaho Tourism Alliance, $107,000; and Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, $75,000.

“Idaho’s economy continues to be impacted positively by the travel and tourism industry,” said Idaho Commerce Director Bobbi-Jo Meuleman.

“We are tremendously proud of the statewide tourism marketing efforts and the work of the grant program to influence travel to the incredible destinations across Idaho. Idaho Tourism is continuing to grow at unprecedented levels which benefits businesses and communities in all corners of our beautiful state.”

Eligible award recipients include non-profit local and regional tourism development organizations such as chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus. The organizations use their awarded grant dollars to promote cities, towns and regions of the state as tourist destinations. Program elements are varied, but often include print and digital advertising, videography, brochures, attendance at travel shows, public relations, direct mail, industry research, and the creation of websites.

Tourism is a more than $4 billion-dollar industry in Idaho. Idaho Department of Commerce — Tourism Development activities are funded by a two-percent tax, paid by travelers and collected by the state’s hotel, motel, vacation rental and private campground owners. Forty-five percent of the funds are used for statewide programs targeted to international and domestic consumers, tour operators, travel agents, and travel journalists. Another forty-five percent is distributed back to communities through the grant program. The remaining ten percent is used for administration of the Tourism Development division.

Total lodging tax collections for Fiscal Year 2018 reached $12.4 million, an increase of 11.22 percent over the previous year.