The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program is a grant initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) to support and develop international tourism, sports marketing, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions throughout the state. The program is authorized under Section 3 of the Act of May 10, 1939 (P.L. 111), known as the Commerce Law.

The program funds non-profit organizations that contribute to the development of tourism-related projects that attract visitors and generate overnight stays. Grants can be used for events, facility enhancements, new construction, renovations, marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns.

Program Goals
Increase tourism-related economic activity by supporting projects that attract visitors.
Encourage overnight stays as a key measure of success.
Promote Pennsylvania as a top tourism destination by ensuring funded projects include Commonwealth branding and marketing partnerships.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
Non-profit organizations with a significant interest in developing tourism within Pennsylvania.
Eligible Activities:
Events that drive tourism
Facility enhancements
New construction and renovations
Marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns
Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as overnight stays, public relations impact, and attendance metrics.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically through the DCED Single Application for Assistance Portal: dced.pa.gov/singleapp.
Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year.
Required Application Components:
Organizational mission statement
Project goals and objectives
Expected measurable outcomes (e.g., visitor numbers, booked room nights)
Project schedule with milestones
Budget documentation (including consulting, legal, or accounting costs)
DCED reserves the right to request additional information or modifications.
Selection Process
Projects are reviewed throughout the fiscal year based on eligibility, objectives, and expected outcomes.
Successful applicants receive a contract and funds are disbursed via ACH transfer.
Grants of $100,000 or more require an audit, while smaller grants require a Grant Close-out Report (GCR).
Applicants with outstanding compliance issues (e.g., incomplete audits from previous grants) are ineligible for funding.
Commonwealth Branding Requirement
Grantees must include Pennsylvania’s official tourism logo in all promotional materials.
A direct link to VisitPA.com must be placed on the organization’s website.
Logos and branding guidelines can be accessed at visitpa.com/PA-logos.