Tompkins County Tourism Program Awards Grants to Local Organizations

Investing in a Thriving Community

Funded by the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax Law, these grants create a positive feedback loop. By supporting local events and initiatives, the Tourism Program makes Tompkins County a more desirable destination for visitors. In turn, those visitors support the local economy by spending money at restaurants, shops, and hotels. This economic activity creates jobs and generates tax revenue that benefits the entire community.

Apply to serve on the Strategic Tourism Planning Board

The Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPB) advises the Tompkins County Legislature on tourism development in the county — specifically, how to allocate hotel room tax funds. The STPB reviews and makes recommendations on competitive grant applications for things like arts & culture programs, community festivals, capital improvements at local attractions, and tourism marketing efforts. It's all about helping shape decisions that boost our local economy while keeping Tompkins County a great place to live, work, and visit.

We're looking for one At-Large representative and one Arts-Culture representative to join the board. Interested? Applications can be found on the County Legislature Advisory Boards webpage and will be accepted through November 30, 2025.

Announcing our newest board member

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Barden (At-Large seat) to the STPB! Sarah brings experience in operating a local food tourism business and non-profit leadership to the board. Sarah is presently the Community Outreach and Leasing Coordinator for SouthWorks. 

Katie Becker Photography

Get Outside This Fall: Explore the NEW IthacaTrails.org

We've relaunched IthacaTrails.org with a cleaner design that's easier to use, especially on mobile. The site features 75 trails across Tompkins County with filters that let you search by experience—waterfalls, birdwatching, biking, and more. Fall is one of the best times to explore our trails, with colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures for hiking. You can also filter by difficulty and length, so whether you have 30 minutes or all day, you'll find something that fits. Each trail includes detailed descriptions, maps, photos, and current conditions. Visit IthacaTrails.org to start planning your next outdoor adventure.

New survey seeks resident input on tourism 

Visit Ithaca is inviting all Tompkins County residents to share their perspectives on how tourism affects our community through a new Resident Sentiment Tourism Survey. The survey covers 30+ topics including economic impact, quality of life, entertainment, and infrastructure, using a trusted research tool employed by leading destinations worldwide. Your input will help shape the future of tourism development in our region by identifying what's working well and what needs attention. Take the survey to make your voice heard. Interested in staying connected? Subscribe to Visit Ithaca's e-newsletter for event announcements and seasonal updates sent one to three times monthly.

Grants Available for Canal System Tourism and Events

Ready to bring more visitors and vibrant events to New York's historic waterways? The New York State Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are accepting applications for 2026 competitive grants supporting tourism, recreation, and community events along the Canal System and Canalway Trail. This year's program prioritizes accessible projects that serve all community members and fill service gaps. Counties, municipalities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes within the Canalway Corridor can apply by November 21, 2025.

Stay Informed

• Details on upcoming grant cycles can be found on the Tourism Program website.
• Forwarded this email? Subscribe to the Tourism Talk e-Newsletter for updates on funding opportunities, local events, and community tourism initiatives. 

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