Governor Kelly Announces $1M Available for Tourism Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.  

“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”

A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions. 

“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”  

Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience. 

“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”

For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click here or email Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.