County Now Accepting Application for Tourism Promotion Grants

Whatcom County is accepting applications for tourism promotion grants to promote eligible tourism and cultural activities next year. This grant program is supported by a tax on eligible hotels and lodgings and is used to bring tourists and economic activity to Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has recommended the following funding priorities:

Funding the primary Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, as the lead agency responsible for marketing and promoting tourism throughout the county.
Supporting chambers that have dedicated staff to promote local tourism and provide visitor services.
Funding organizations that offer broad, year-round services to visitors and the community, even if they are not located in unincorporated areas.
Allocating funds for infrastructure enhancements that support tourism, such as wayfinding signage and recreational facilities (e.g., ice rinks for hockey tournaments) it is recognized that investing in infrastructure can have long-term benefits for tourism growth.
Supporting festivals and events hosted in unincorporated areas that have a significant impact on attracting overnight visitors.

Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m., September 5^th, 2025. Information and applications are available on the County’s website: Lodging Tax Tourism Promotion Grants

Questions regarding the tourism promotion grant program should be directed to Jake Logan, Grant Coordinator jlogan@co.whatcom.wa.us or (360) 778-5211.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.