Tourism Grant Procedures & Rules

The mission of the Box Elder County Tourism Tax Advisory Board (TTAB) is to encourage tourism promotion to advance sustainable economic development.  The Board will work with tourism-related entities on projects to improve existing tourism products or initiate new ones.  The projects should follow the Mission and Goals of the Advisory Board. 

The TTAB Tourism Development Fund is available to assist tourism projects, including events, activities, festivals, conferences, or programs, as well as aid in infrastructure projects that directly benefit tourism.  This fund is not guaranteed year-to-year.  The applicants are encouraged to work toward becoming self-sustaining.

The Box Elder County Tourism Tax Advisory Board shall, at its annual budget meeting, allocate a set amount of its budget as a “Tourism Tax Advisory Board Grant” for tourism development by organizations developing projects in the Box Elder County area.  The grant fund has the following purpose:

1. To increase tourism in Box Elder County
2. To assist new tourism projects
3. To help organizations develop new tourism projects
4. To increase the advertising exposure of Box Elder County outside of the County
5. To involve more people and organizations in tourism promotion

 
Tourism Development Funds are derived from restaurant and hotel taxes and may only be used for the purpose of promoting recreation and tourism. Tourism Development Funds are available to non-profit and municipal organizations that promote tourism-related attractions, events, festivals, or programs.  These events should encourage overnight stays in Box Elder County with an immediate impact on the tourism economy.

Application Policy

Please read this section BEFORE submitting your application. 

Requests for funds will be approved under the following conditions:

• The proposed attraction, event, activity, festival, or program must relate directly to the priorities of the TTAB mission statement and goals.
• The funds may not be used for salary or wages.
• The funds may be used for direct mail only if it can be documented and is going to be sent outside Box Elder County.
• Promotional funds must be spent outside Box Elder County.  Promotional activities are expected to encourage tourists to spend the night in Box Elder County. 
• Printed materials must include the Box Elder County Tax Advisory Board logo and the words:  “Funded by the Box Elder County Tax Advisory Board.
• A follow-up report must be submitted within sixty (60) days following the completion of the project.

Primary consideration will be given to those who strive for the following criteria:

1. Does the project meet the intent and requirements of the State statute? (mandatory requirement)
2. Does it benefit tourism in the area, especially overnight visitors, and what is the immediate impact?
3. What is the likelihood of successful completion and what is the experience of the requesting organization?
4. What is the availability of other sources of funding and/or the ability to leverage grant funds?
5. What is the potential for the project to generate more dollars for the fund in the future?

Tourism Tax Advisory Board Mission Statement

The mission of the Box Elder County Tourism Tax Advisory Board is to develop criteria and an application process that will assist the fair evaluation of all requests for tourism enhancement.  Such enhancement is that which best reflects and affects the recreation, heritage, cultural and scenic wonders of the whole county.  The process is to encourage coordination of all tourism promotion and strategies commensurate with tax revenue to advance sustainable economic development.  The Board will then make recommendations to the Box Elder County Commission for the allocation of funds.  This constitutes all taxes enacted by the Utah State Legislature and Box Elder County relating to tourism.

 The criteria & application process must be in compliance with the purpose of the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention (TRCC) Tax in Utah Code Annotated Title 59, chapter 12, section 601.

Goals and Objectives

1. Increase visitor numbers, trip duration and visitor sales by promoting Box Elder County as an all-season tourism destination.
2. To create awareness of Box Elder County as a refuge or oasis for peace, tranquility, and serenity that will leave visitors feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired.
3. Be an advocate of the tourism industry and represent the best interests of Box Elder County on issues of public interest and policy.
4. Build the credibility of the tourism industry as an important force in the region’s economy and vitality of life by educating the government, business, labor, and professional communities.
5. Pursue relationships with organizations and tourism providers that foster mutual goals, provide cooperative marketing and funding mechanisms, and offer partnership opportunities to increase tourism to Box Elder County.
6. Provide quality, timely, up-to-date information to those seeking tourism information on Box Elder County by telephone, internet, mail, or in person.  Collect tourism data to assist with market analysis and research.
7. Encourage and assist new and appropriate tourism developments or events in Box Elder County.  Help existing community events expand their market outside Box Elder County.