Media Contact:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Applications Open for Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program
Program supports growth of diverse and thriving tourism economy in ABQ
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (April 15, 2024) – Applications for the Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program open today.
Visit Albuquerque, the city’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), annually supports the growth of a diverse and thriving tourism economy in the city through its Tourism Grant Program. The program’s goal is to spark innovative ideas that contribute to Albuquerque’s vibrancy and generate creative visitor and resident experiences that build community and benefit tourism. The program is made possible thanks to revenue generated by the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District (ATMD).
“We are excited to launch the 2024 Tourism Grant Program and provide a platform for innovative ideas that will enhance Albuquerque's appeal as a destination,” said Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “Last year’s grant cycle produced creative and meaningful projects that have been growing the tourism economy and benefiting our community. We believe that by investing in unique projects and experiences, we can showcase the diverse offerings of our city and further establish Albuquerque as a must-visit destination, and we can't wait to see what inspiring projects are submitted for consideration this year.”
Two levels of grant funding are available: the Innovator Level provides up to $50,000 for project implementation, and the Incubator Level provides up to $10,000 for project implementation. Visit Albuquerque expects to award approximately $500,000 during the 2024 grant cycle.
For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations may also apply. Applicants must be located in New Mexico and registered as a federally recognized for-profit or nonprofit entity. Applications open today, April 15, and will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 24.
Organizations can apply here. Applicants are encouraged to review the Tourism Grant Program Guide prior to applying, as well as the information found at VisitABQ.org/tourismgrants. Finalists will be notified mid-June and awards will be announced later that month.
Potential project types may include development of products or assets for experiences, infrastructure improvements, or arts and culture programs. Applications will be evaluated according to how projects demonstrate alignment with the Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program’s THRIVE (Tradition, Hospitality, Recreation, Innovation, Vibrancy, Experience) criteria and the capacity of projects to increase the number of overnight visitors to assessed lodging business within the city.
The ATMD is a coalition of approximately 150 local lodging properties that have organized efforts in order to increase demand for overnight visitation to our city. The ATMD provides additional funds to expand marketing of Albuquerque, enhance visitor services and develop destination assets. In 2024, approximately 5% of ATMD revenue will support tourism grants.
About Visit Albuquerque
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention, sports and visitor destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
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