Nevada Commission on Tourism Approves Projects to Grow Tourism in Three Nevada Communities
Funding made available through Travel Nevada’s 3D Grant Program
CARSON CITY, NV – The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) today approved funding for three Destination Development projects to expand tourism offerings in rural communities.
The 10 NCOT Commissioners unanimously approved the following projects:
- White Pine County was awarded $350,000 requested to fund branding, directional and interpretive signage for three urban trailheads, and 100 miles of existing and future non-motorized singletrack trails to improve visitor experience and connect to White Pine County’s target visitor. Evaluators indicated that the project aligns with the 10-year destination plan that was developed and is feasible and likely to succeed.
- Lincoln County was awarded $348,720 to fund positions to build capacity for the tourism authority to implement initiatives outlined in the destination plan, including equipment, materials, and supplies to offer engaging visitor experiences, as well as to fund an assessment to reduce unproductive retail space in Lincoln County communities. The evaluation group indicated that the proposal closely ties to objectives in the destination plan.
- Friends of Black Rock High Rock was awarded $262,353 to fund projects and a grants manager to oversee project activities, initiatives to develop a sense of place and community through public art, efforts to restore and preserve cultural heritage elements of Guru Road, and the expansion of tours and guided offerings.
“As Lt. Governor, I have had the opportunity to visit many Nevada communities and see first-hand the impact tourism has on these towns,” said Stavros Anthony, Nevada Lt. Governor and Chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. “These projects will provide a boost to these towns to further develop their tourism offerings, leading to additional jobs, economic vitality, and increased visitation. I fully support White Pine County, Lincoln County, and Friends of Black Rock High Rock as they embark on these projects to grow their destinations.”
These projects are funded as a part of the Nevada Division of Tourism’s (Travel Nevada) Destination Development Demonstration (3D) Project. In 2022, Travel Nevada staff and consultants conducted a statewide roadshow to inspire destinations to apply for consulting services designed to energize their local economies by creating new experiences for travelers. After a competitive selection process, destinations were chosen and were assigned to two cohorts. They were then invited to go through an eight-month planning cycle and at the completion, given the opportunity to apply for part of a one-time $2 million fund created from the state’s share of the U.S. Economic Development Administration American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The projects awarded today were the cohort one participants whose applications were reviewed and evaluated by a panel of experts including representatives from The University Center for Economic Development, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Nevada Arts Council, the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, the Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Bureau of Land Management, and Travel Nevada.
The panel considered each destination’s proposal based on selection criteria including alignment with the destination’s strategic goals and the recommendations outlined in the ten-year destination plan; feasibility through thoughtful planning; preservation and celebration of the destination’s culture, heritage, and character; and delivery of an authentic visitor experience.
The planning cycle for cohort two participants is currently underway and slated to be complete in April 2024. Cohort two participants include Boulder City and the communities of Carson City, Carson Valley, and Virginia City and their proposed Cultural Corridor.
For more information on the 3D Program, visit TravelNevada.biz.
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The Nevada Division of Tourism is a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. More commonly known as Travel Nevada, the Nevada Division of Tourism is responsible for promoting and marketing Nevada as a travel destination to domestic and international travelers. Travel Nevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state.
