The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) has approved $1m (£540,000) in funding to help rural communities in the state promote attractions, adventures and special events.
The Rural Tourism Grants awards $1.5m (£810,000) every year in two stages and requires a local match in cash, labour or materials.
The funding enables rural communities with limited resources to purchase advertising and promotional materials such as maps and brochures, create videos and DVDs, maintain websites and develop attractions.
Lt Gov. Lorraine Hunt, NCOT chair, said: “The success of the Rural Tourism Grants is remarkable. Visitor volume, convention business and room occupancy have risen significantly in rural Nevada and I am confident these grants will continue to enhance Nevada’s position as a global tourist destination.”
Grants this year have included $20,000 to the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority to create a strategic plan to market bird-watching and wildlife areas and $10,000 to the Tonopah Convention Center to advertise the community as a stargazing destination in astronomy publications.
The final $500,000 available this year will be awarded in December. Details: www.lasvegasfreedom.co.uk
