Tourism Program or Facilities Grant

The Tourism Program or Facilities Grant is administered by the City of Vancouver through its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), a municipal body responsible for allocating lodging tax revenues to initiatives that strengthen the local tourism economy. The program is part of a broader Lodging Tax Grant Program that supports event organizers, tourism promotion entities, and infrastructure projects designed to attract visitors and increase overnight stays. These funds are derived from taxes collected on lodging and are governed by Washington State law, specifically RCW 67.28.1816, which defines allowable uses and ensures that expenditures directly contribute to tourism-related outcomes. The primary purpose of the Tourism Program or Facilities Grant is to provide resources for one-time tourism marketing or promotional programs, as well as investments in tourism-related facilities. These initiatives must enhance the visitor experience or contribute to the growth of Vancouver’s tourism industry. Eligible activities include marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors, operational or capital support for tourism facilities, and projects that align with strategic tourism development goals. The program emphasizes measurable economic impact, including increased visitation, lodging stays, and community engagement. Funding under this grant does not have a defined award cap, meaning applicants may request funding based on project scope and demonstrated need. However, awards are contingent upon available lodging tax funds and the overall strength of the application. Applicants must clearly articulate how their proposed project aligns with tourism development priorities and demonstrate the potential for measurable outcomes. Allowable uses of funds include tourism marketing, operational costs for tourism-related facilities, and capital expenditures for publicly owned or nonprofit-operated tourism infrastructure. Funds cannot be used for purposes outside the statutory guidelines established in RCW 67.28.1816. Eligibility for the program is defined by both state law and local policy. Applicants may include municipalities, public facilities districts, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, and other entities engaged in tourism promotion or facility operations. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate that their activities directly support tourism and comply with federal tax designation requirements. Projects must also align with the City of Vancouver’s strategic priorities, including equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and geographic distribution of benefits. The application process is structured around an annual funding cycle. For the 2027 funding year, applications open on August 4, 2026, and close on September 20, 2026. Applicants are required to submit proposals through the designated application portal, including detailed project descriptions, budget information, and projections of visitor impact such as attendance and lodging nights. While not mandatory, applicants may participate in consultation sessions offered by Visit Vancouver to refine their proposals, particularly in estimating tourism-related metrics. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive and focus on alignment with key strategic frameworks, including the City of Vancouver’s 2023-2029 Strategic Plan and Visit Vancouver’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan. Additional considerations include seasonality, geographic impact, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, uniqueness of the proposal, and overall economic benefit to the community. Applications are reviewed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which makes funding recommendations based on these criteria and available resources. Applicants have access to support resources, including a virtual question and answer session scheduled for August 19, 2026, where program staff provide guidance on the application process. Direct contact is also available through designated city staff for further inquiries. Successful applicants receive funding for use during the 2027 calendar year, with expectations for reporting and accountability tied to the use of public funds. The program is recurring on an annual basis, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the City of Vancouver to invest in tourism development and economic vitality.

Align proposal with strategic plans, demonstrate measurable tourism impact, and ensure accurate visitor projections