Destination development is any activity that increases and improves the quality of a visitor’s destination. To make tourism a vibrant, healthy, and manageable component of the local economy, communities need to craft and implement tourism management strategies that are local, authentic, and desirable. From large to small and rural to resort, every community can benefit from destination development.
Destination development:
- Improves the visitor experience, leading to increased spending and tax revenues
- Diversifies and strengthens urban and suburban economies
- Enhances the recreation and support service infrastructure in emerging, rural tourism destinations
- Increases support services, capacity and visitor season for developed gateway communities
- Learn more about the details, requirements and deadlines of the UOT’s Destination Development Grants & Support
The Utah Office of Tourism assists Utah’s communities with destination development through training, technical assistance, and marketing assistance. These grant funds are not available to private sector (for profit) businesses.
NEW! Destination Development Opportunity
Interested in learning more about the benefits and process of developing great trails for mountain biking? If so, the International Mountain Biking Association is holding in-depth Trail Labs Foundations workshops in Cedar City October 10-12, 2023.
The association chose Cedar City for their upcoming Foundations workshop because of the town paths that connect neighborhoods, progressive trails including a skills park, and advanced trails accessible from home, out in the Iron Hills. When talking about more trails close to home, this is the example – 150 miles of trail and counting.
Foundations prepare trail champions to collaborate with stakeholders in their community and turn a trail vision into reality.
View the UOT Webinar: EDA-ARPA Grants Round 2, recorded 7/31/23
Resources For Private Sector Businesses
Be sure to check with the following federal, state agencies and organizations for resources – from the steps to creating, growing and expanding a business, access to capital, financial support for training, and revolving loan funds, there are myriad programs and initiatives to support the private sector:
US Small Business Administration – Utah District Office
US Economic Development Administration
Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
Center for Rural Development
Business Incentives
Utah Small Business Credit Initiative
Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCU)
World Trade Center Utah
Utah Small Business Development Center
Utah Department of Commerce
Utah Department of Workforce Services
Utah State Tax Commission
Utah Association of Governments – check locally for the county’s AOG
Custom Fit Training – check individual technical colleges for Custom Fit program
Utah Tourism Industry Association
Utah Association of Counties – check individual county websites for Economic Development and Tourism programs and initiatives
Utah League of Cities and Towns – check individual city/town listings for Economic Development programs and initiatives
EDA Grants Contact:
Kevin Blomquist at kblomquisti@utah.gov, 435-899-9221
uotgrants@utah.gov
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