The Tourism Program budget in Tompkins County, New York, is a unique initiative funded by hotel room occupancy tax (room tax) collection. Its purpose is to invest these taxes into initiatives that promote economic growth and enhance local quality of life. The Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPB) provides guidance to the County Legislature on tourism matters, including the annual Tourism Program budget.
Tompkins County has established a Strategic Tourism Plan outlining goals and focus areas for tourism in our county. To enhance transparency, efficiency, and equity in the budget process, the County’s Tourism Program has issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to determine the allocation of anticipated room tax funds in the 2025 budget.
An estimated $267,000 to $354,000 of room tax is expected to be allocated to annual programs, grant administration, and general operating support in 2025. The exact amount is determined annually based on market forecasts and known expenses.
The Tompkins County Tourism Program is now accepting requests for 2025 funding from interested nonprofit organizations, County departments, and municipalities. Funding categories include:
- Annual Programs
- Grant Administration
- General Operating Support
All funded activities are expected to support multiple goals and focus areas from the Strategic Tourism Plan and occur over the course of a full year. For detailed proposal evaluation criteria, please see the NOFA. Contact the Tourism Program directly if you have questions about your proposal or eligibility.
You can download the NOFA on the Tourism Program website. All budget requests and supporting documents are due on or before April 18, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
About the Tompkins County Tourism Program:
The program invests local hotel room occupancy tax dollars in community-based tourism initiatives that stimulate economic development and enhance quality of life. It's guided by the Strategic Tourism Planning Board. Learn more at https://tompkinscountyny.gov/tourism