Washington County Visitors Association Awards Grant Funds for Tourism Development Projects
June 3rd, 2009 by Sylke
Funds allocated to local organizations to increase the area’s tourism products
BEAVERTON, Ore. (June 3, 2009) — The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA), awarded $192,176 in tourism grants to local organizations. The WCVA is a destination marketing organization charged with marketing the county as a tourism destination. Up to $200,000 are allocated to local organizations annually for tourism development.
Selected by the WCVA’s grant committee, which is comprised of members of its board of directors, the seven recipients will receive the funds beginning in July for projects designed to enhance Washington County’s tourism products.
Recipients of the WCVA’s 2009-10 tourism grants are:
|
Organization |
Project Description |
Amount Awarded |
|
Banks Community Foundation |
Funding support to produce a Banks, Ore., visitor guide highlighting the attributes of L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, which is an important attraction for out-of-town visitors |
$ 15,000 |
|
Funding support to hire part-time staff dedicated to promoting upcoming theater productions to out-of-town groups, and funding support for out-of-area advertising |
$ 30,000 |
|
|
Funding support to build two competition-quality disc golf courses, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors |
$ 18,826 |
|
|
Hulaman Triathlon |
Funding support for the Hulaman Triathlon sporting event, with the goal of positioning the event at a higher competitive level to attract and increase the number of out-of-town athlete attendees |
$ 50,000 |
|
Funding support to develop programs and wine events in Washington County to attract out-of-town visitors |
$ 30,000 |
|
|
Funding support to build a competition-quality disc golf course, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors |
$ 8,350 |
|
|
Funding support to purchase equipment and hire part-time staff to implement a guided river-rafting program in Washington County, which will enhance the county’s tourism assets for the group tour and independent travel markets |
$ 40,000 |
The sole purpose of the funds allocated is for the development or promotion of emerging events, activities and other tourism-related attractions in Washington County. To be considered for funding, projects must have the potential to attract and draw tourists from at least 50 miles outside of Washington County and the Portland Metro area, thereby increasing visitor spending in the local economy.
All grant recipients are required to demonstrate how the awarded funds increased visitor spending in Washington County from visitors who traveled from out of the Portland Metro area, as well as report a return on investment on these grants.
About the Washington County Visitors Association
The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) serves the region’s tourism industry by actively promoting Washington County, Ore., as a destination for sports and special events, and business and leisure travelers. Spanning 727 square miles, Washington County is home to home to world-class golf courses, wineries, outdoor recreation, natural wetlands and wildlife preserves and a variety of restaurants and shops, and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Its thriving corporate business parks house some of the largest high-tech and industrial companies in the world. For additional information about the WCVA please visit www.VisitWashingtonCountyOregon.com, or call 503-644-5555, toll-free, 800-537-3149.
Download Word Document of this press release here.
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