Marketing to Attract Tourists (MTAT)
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
✓ Free, no account · Source: Pennsylvania Grants (CODE PA) · Last verified May 31, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations in Pennsylvania that work in tourism, destination marketing, and event attraction. Eligible applicants include destination marketing organizations, tourism-related businesses, and event hosting entities. Activities supported include marketing campaigns, event promotion, sports event bids, and conferences. Projects must attract visitors from the 72 million people within four hours of Pennsylvania who will stay overnight.
Four distinct programs are offered: outdoor/culinary/cultural experience co-ops, sports event attraction, major concerts and conferences, and general destination marketing. All programs require demonstrated ability to attract out-of-state overnight visitors. Pennsylvania-based organizations with tourism focus and proven track records are preferred.
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Program description
The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program provides funding to support the tourism sector throughout Pennsylvania in attracting the 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania to experience The Great American Getaway. In order to increase awareness of the thousands of quintessential getaway experiences throughout Pennsylvania, the primary goal of the program is to fund projects that increase awareness of Pennsylvania’s destinations and attractions through marketing and advertising initiatives. There are four programs offered within Marketing to Attract Tourists: The Great American Getaway Co-Op: open to destination marketing organizations and tourism-related businesses who partner to develop an outdoor, culinary, historical/cultural, or urban travel experience that will inspire visitors to discover Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway. Secure More in Sports: open to entities which attract and secure new consumer, league, youth, amateur or professional sporting events to Pennsylvania that will result in a large influx of visitors who will stay for two or more nights. Grants can be used for marketing and sales outreach, bid fees, rights, and other expenses associated with the ability to pitch and win a bid. Big Stage Events: open to entities that attract big stage events such as major concerts, conventions and conferences to Pennsylvania which will result in a large influx of attendees that will visit for three or more overnight stays. Grants can be used for rental costs, shuttles, marketing, receptions, speakers, production, and other costs. The General Marketing to Attract Tourists Fund: open to destination marketing organizations and tourism-related businesses which attract the 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive that seek funding support to raise awareness of their destination and/or to execute an event that will attract out-of-state visitors.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Program-specific application form
- Project narrative describing tourism/marketing initiative
- Marketing plan with audience targeting strategy
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity and past tourism work
- Letters of partnership or commitment (for co-op programs)
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Destination marketing organizations, tourism businesses, event promoters, and entities in Pennsylvania that attract visitors. Sports and big stage event promoters with proven ability to attract large visiting audiences are eligible.
What activities are eligible for funding?
Marketing and advertising campaigns, event promotion, sports event bid fees, concert and conference hosting costs, and destination awareness initiatives. Permitted expenses include rental costs, marketing materials, and event production costs.
How many program tracks are available?
Four tracks exist: co-op experiences, sports event attraction, big stage events, and general destination marketing. Each has specific visitor requirements and eligible expenses.
Is there a deadline for this grant?
The deadline is July 1, 2035. Check Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development website for any rolling deadline updates or multiple application windows.
What visitor impact is required?
Sports events must attract visitors staying two or more nights. Big stage events require three or more overnight stays. All programs target the 72 million people within four-hour drive radius of Pennsylvania.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how your project attracts out-of-state visitors who will stay overnight. Include projected visitor numbers and length of stay data.
- Match your application to the specific program track (co-op, sports, events, or general) that best fits your project. Misalignment reduces competitiveness.
- Provide evidence of partnership and collaboration, especially for co-op programs. Show commitment from all participating organizations.
- Document market analysis showing the four-hour drive radius audience and how your marketing reaches them. Use demographic and geographic data.
- Budget marketing and promotional costs carefully. Show realistic timelines and how funds directly increase visitor awareness and attraction.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they don't clearly show overnight visitor impact or target only local audiences instead of the four-hour radius region. Weak documentation of partnership commitment or unrealistic visitor projections undermines competitiveness. Generic marketing plans without specific Pennsylvania destination focus or audience targeting don't stand out.
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