Nevada Commission on Tourism Selects Rural Communities to Receive Long-Term Economic Planning
LAS VEGAS, NV – In their quarterly commission meeting, held Thursday, Sept. 18, the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) selected two destination development projects intended to enhance economic development and improve the visitor experience in rural Nevada communities.
Travel Nevada’s Destination Development Design (3D) Project is a long-range, tourism-based community planning program providing rural communities across the state the opportunity to expand their tourism economies. Selected destinations complete six months of consulting that will provide guidance and recommendations for growing tourism in a way that is authentic, sustainable, and supports the community’s culture, heritage, and character.
In July 2025, Travel Nevada’s Destination Development Manager, Cortney Bloomer, conducted site visits across the state, meeting with local stakeholders and potential project leaders. These visits helped assess each community’s tourism readiness, gather input, and identify opportunities aligned with their long-term goals.
Applications for cohort four were reviewed by a panel of experts representing the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, University of Nevada, Reno’s University Center for Economic Development, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Nevada Small Business Development Center, Bureau of Land Management, and Travel Nevada.
“Throughout my term as Lieutenant Governor, I’ve had the opportunity to visit rural communities that are the heart of Nevada’s culture and heritage,” said Stavros Anthony, Lieutenant Governor and Chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. “What stands out most are the passionate individuals working to grow tourism in a way that reflects their community’s identity. The 3D Project helps turn those local visions into action, fueling economic growth and preserving the unique character of each destination.”
NCOT selected two destinations to participate in cohort four, whose destination plans are slated to be complete in June 2026. Cohort four participants include:
- Mesquite Opportunities Regional Fund will develop a 10-Year Destination Plan that will focus on revitalizing downtown Mesquite, enhancing accessibility to dining, lodging, recreation, and entertainment for both residents and visitors. The effort will foster collaboration among local businesses, nonprofits, event organizers, and civic leaders to improve visitor experiences, build tourism capacity, and encourage year-round offerings.
- Goldfield Main Street will develop a 10-Year Destination Plan to rebrand the town, leveraging its distinction as one of Nevada’s few National Historic Districts. The plan will highlight Goldfield’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities to increase visitation and preserve the town’s wild west heritage.
The 3D Project provides participating communities with access to expert guidance, strategic planning, and long-term tourism solutions to bring their Destination Plans to life. Over a 20-week period, cohort four participants will work closely with Travel Nevada and a team of consultants to build out their plans. Once complete, communities will be eligible to apply for funding from a $1 million State of Nevada grant program, administered by Travel Nevada, designed to kickstart implementation and strengthen local tourism economies.
For more information on the 3D Project, visit TravelNevada.biz.
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. Operating within a performance-based budget structure, Travel Nevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state. For more, visit TravelNevada.biz.