Fayette County officials announced that applications for the 2027 Fayette County Tourism Grant Program are now open, with a deadline of 4 p.m. on Oct. 2. The grant, administered by the county commissioners and GO Laurel Highlands, is designed to help visitor‑facing businesses expand their marketing reach and attract more tourists to the region.
How the program works
Since its inception, the program has awarded 738 grants totaling more than $10.4 million. Last year alone, nearly $1.2 million was distributed to qualifying businesses. Grants are awarded on the basis of merit by the Fayette County Tourism Grant Review Committee.
Eligible applicants include both for‑profit and not‑for‑profit organizations that serve tourists—restaurants, hotels, attractions, retail shops, and other businesses that interact directly with visitors. Applicants must submit a marketing plan that demonstrates how the grant will enhance their ability to draw tourists to the county.
Funding source
The tourism grant program is funded by 40 % of the revenues generated by the Fayette County lodging tax. The tax, originally set at 3 % in 2008, has been increased to 5 % to provide a steady stream of resources for tourism promotion and economic development.
Timeline
Applications are accepted online beginning Aug. 24. All submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Oct. 2. The grant administrator will notify applicants of approval or denial by Nov. 30. An award ceremony is scheduled for early January, where successful recipients will receive their funds.
Local leadership’s perspective
“With a key focus on marketing, the Fayette County Tourism Grants afford a business the opportunity to enhance and advance its marketing reach to visitors,” said Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands, the county’s official destination‑marketing organization. “Only visitor‑facing businesses can apply, and the process is open to for‑profit and not‑for‑profit organizations and businesses.”
County commissioners echoed Nemanic’s remarks, emphasizing that the grant program is a practical tool for strengthening the local economy, preserving family‑run enterprises, and showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of the Laurel Highlands.
Where to learn more
Businesses interested in applying can find application materials and detailed eligibility criteria on the GO Laurel Highlands website at GoLaurelHighlands.com, as well as on the organization’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For questions, the program office can be reached at 724‑238‑5661.
By leveraging the lodging tax and focusing on targeted marketing support, Fayette County continues to invest in the families and entrepreneurs who make the region a vibrant destination for travelers from across the nation.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
