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North Dakota Tourism Industry Newsletter - Sept. 8, 2021 |
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Applications for tourism grant opportunity open next week
Commerce today announced that the new 2021 Tourism Planning Grant application will open on Sept. 13, 2021.
The 2021 Tourism Planning Grant appropriated by the legislature is intended to support tourism developers who have a destination project that would have the ability to attract visitors from outside North Dakota and retain them for at least 4-6 hours and preferably an overnight stay-in or near the community.
“There is tremendous opportunity for new major attractions to be built in North Dakota,” Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman said. “This grant will help projects do the planning needed to build business and implementation plans to support development.”
Eligible projects will allow for implementation within 60 days of receipt of the funds and are intended to complete a project concept rather than for beginning stages. Projects will fall under two priorities:
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Priority one - Comprehensive plans will fund the completion of a plan, or to update an existing plan that is more than five years old, specific to the development of a major new destination attraction.
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Priority two - Feasibility plans will fund the completion of a feasibility study identifying the potential economic and social impact a major attraction would have on the community and the state.
Eligible applicants may be awarded up to $500,000 per proposed plan, with a minimum of $100,000 to be awarded.
Eligible entities include:
- Destination marketing and management organizations
- Economic development corporations
- Private or non-profit tourism development entities
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Fall foliage
One of North Dakota’s most beautiful seasons is right around the corner! With the help of partners providing updates and photos of their area’s leaves, we are promoting some of the best places to see fall foliage, pumpkin patches and classic autumn adventures. Help us promote your area by sending us pictures of your area’s autumn leaves and pumpkin patches
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North Dakota Travel Industry Chat
Please join the next North Dakota Travel Industry Chat on Monday, Sept. 27. This presentation will be hosted online through Teams and will feature the latest data and reports on the state’s tourism industry.
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ND Social Meet-Up
Join us for our first ND Social Meet-Up Thursday Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. CDT! Any North Dakota destination, attraction, community or business who is interested in social media marketing is invited to join in this new quarterly event. Each meet-up will include a special presenter who will share a unique and successful campaign they’ve executed as well as an open discussion portion where you can ask any questions you might have regarding the social space. To submit your discussion topics and sign up to be registered, just contact Alicia Jolliffe.
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North Dakota Tourism has two new staff members. Amy Schmidt (right) is the digital content specialist who will be overseeing content on ndtourism.com and working with partners on their submissions for free listings on the website. Amy was formerly with the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Kimberly Pritchard (left) is the marketing assistant who will be a point of contact for partners on cooperative marketing, familiarization and media tours and much more. Kimberly comes to Commerce after working at the Attorney General’s Office and North Dakota Information Technology. Be sure to wish them a hospitable hello!
In the news
Upcoming events
IPW – Sept. 18-22 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Travel Industry Marketing Summit – Oct. 26 in Bismarck
North Dakota’s tourism and marketing partners are invited to attend the annual Travel Industry Marketing Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 26. This year’s event will be held at the Radisson Hotel, in partnership with the Bismarck Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. It will be a great opportunity to network with colleagues, getting inspired and learn about the industry’s recovery and planning for 2022.
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