Visithattiesburg Accepting Applications For Local Tourism Grant Program

Applications for the Tourism Grant Program are now being accepted for consideration.

VisitHATTIESBURG is pleased to announce the return of its Tourism Grant Program (TGP), a dedicated fund for sponsorship of local events, festivals, and other community programs that increase overnight travel to Hattiesburg. Applications for the Tourism Grant Program are now being accepted for consideration.

In its fourth year, the Tourism Grant Program funds and supports activities that attract visitors to the community, while also providing entertainment options that increase the quality of life for local residents.

“The travel industry has been incredibly hard hit from the global Coronavirus pandemic, including the cancellation of many local events and festivals. It’s imperative that we provide support for safely organized events and projects to return and prosper,” Marlo Dorsey, executive director of VisitHATTIESBURG, said. “The steady return of tourism will continue to play a vital role in healing Hattiesburg’s economy while bringing optimism back to the community.”

The TGP began in 2018 through sponsorships of local visitor-friendly events and initiatives. Since that time, more than 40 projects have received support, ranging from sporting and musical events to expos and festivals. Nearly $100,000 has been given back to the community through VisitHATTIESBURG’s Tourism Grant Program since its launch.

New and returning applicants are invited to complete the grant process, which requires a formal application and plan of action. Those selected must also submit a final project report. Applicants must identify how they will promote responsible travel and attendance. An independent panel of community stakeholders will determine recipients through this competitive selection process.

“VisitHATTIESBURG embraces community partnerships and collaborates with many groups to help strengthen Hattiesburg’s economic position and vitality. We look forward to partnering with grant recipients to responsibly welcome visitors to Hattiesburg,” Kristen Brock, director of programs and promotions for VisitHATTIESBURG, said. “Any qualified group with an event or project planned between now and September 2022 is encouraged to apply.”

To be eligible, projects must fall into one of VisitHBURG’s core strategic focus areas: grow tourism’s economic impact; communicate and amplify Hattiesburg’s story; strengthen partner network and collaboration; or prioritize placemaking and enhance the HBURG experience.

Organizations interested in a partnership through the program may include those that promote festivals and events, attractions, and public-use facilities like museums, historical buildings, meeting spaces, and sporting facilities. Only projects that produce out-of-town visitation will be eligible for the competitive funding.

Applications for the Tourism Grant Program must be received by priority deadline of September 22, 2021, to be eligible for funding. Applications received after this date will be considered only if funds remain.

A full list of TGP requirements and more information on VisitHATTIESBURG’s focus areas can be found at VisitHBURG.org/Hattiesburg-tourism-commission. Additional questions may be directed to Brock at kbrock@visithburg.org.

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The Hattiesburg Tourism Commission, doing business as VisitHATTIESBURG™, is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the City of Hattiesburg. Created to promote the Greater Hattiesburg Area and its tourism industry to potential visitors, the mission of

VisitHATTIESBURG™ is to increase overnight bookings for both leisure and corporate travel with the ultimate goal of growing the economic impact of these visitors on the local economy. By marketing Hattiesburg’s local hotel, dining, attraction, and shopping options, VisitHBURG has successfully tripled the city’s tourism industry since being established in 1990, making HBURG the third most visited city in Mississippi.