Tourism Grant Program

Introduction

With the global pandemic's effects on the tourism industry, VisitHATTIESBURG continues to support and grow tourism’s economic impact in the community while promoting safe and responsible travel.

VisitHATTIESBURG’s Tourism Grant Program (TGP) is an annual allocation designed to enhance visitor and tourism promotion efforts in Hattiesburg. TGP provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects / events that fulfill VisitHATTIESBURG’S mission and, ultimately, increase overnight travel to Hattiesburg. The priority deadline to submit applications for FY24 is August 30, 2023.

Qualifying Programs and Events

Eligible applicants for funding include an organization/event/project whose objective is to promote Hattiesburg’s tourism industry to out-of-town visitors by generating overnight travel and economic stimulus to the city. The target audience should be outside the immediate Hattiesburg area (over 50- mile radius or out-of-state).

Qualifying entities may be attractions, associations, organizations or governmental agencies which promote their event, products and/or services to visitors from outside the area. Qualified grant projects should be classified in one of the following categories:

Festival / Event
Attraction / Public Use Facility:
- Museums, historical buildings, meeting space, sporting facilities, etc.
Other organizations/associations with a primary objective of promoting tourism in Hattiesburg