Pennsylvania Marketing to Attract Tourists

The Marketing to Attract Tourists program is a grant offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) to fund marketing campaigns and events designed to bring tourists, sporting events, and major entertainment into Pennsylvania. It is a state-level, industry-specific program aimed at boosting visibility for destinations and tourism-related attractions across the commonwealth.

The program operates through several funding tracks, including The Great American Getaway Co-Op and Big Stage Events, each supporting different kinds of marketing efforts—from cooperative destination marketing campaigns to funding tied to landing major events. This structure allows a range of applicants, from small regional coalitions to larger destination marketing organizations, to find a track that fits their promotional goals.

For a small business owner working in tourism, hospitality, or event promotion in Pennsylvania, this grant matters because it provides cash funding specifically earmarked for marketing rather than general operating costs. Rather than funding a business's day-to-day expenses, it supports outward-facing efforts to draw visitors and spending into the state, which can indirectly benefit hotels, restaurants, attractions, and event venues.

Award amounts vary depending on which funding track an applicant applies through, and the state notes that current award amounts, open application rounds, and eligibility details should be confirmed directly on the DCED website, since these details can change year to year. Deadlines are also tied to specific rounds rather than a single fixed date, so applicants should check the official program page regularly for the latest information before assembling an application.