Travel Nevada Roadshow Kicks Off Innovative Destination Development Project
Up to six destinations will be selected to create new, high-potential traveler experiences and share in $2 million U.S. EDA funds to activate their plans
CARSON CITY, NV – The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) today kicked off a statewide roadshow to inspire destinations across Nevada to apply for consulting services to energize their local economies by creating new experiences for travelers. The Destination Development program is an integral part of Travel Nevada’s strategic plan for the long-term and sustainable development of tourism in the rural communities.
Up to six destinations will be selected to participate in the new Destination Development Demonstration (3D) Project. Upon completion of an eight-month planning cycle, the chosen destinations can bring their concepts to life by applying for part of a one-time $2 million fund created from the state’s share of U.S. Economic Development Administration American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Details of the 3D Project were shared in a webinar today following the Nevada Commission on Tourism’s approval of the 3D Project Guidelines. Following the webinar, the state tourism agency held the first of nine stops on a weeklong, statewide roadshow to explain the 3D Project. More than 120 tourism industry partners have registered for the workshops scheduled in Carson City, Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, Caliente, Henderson, Pahrump, Tonopah, and Fallon.
Applications will be accepted from Sept. 16 to Oct. 25, 2022 online at https://travelnevada.biz/ruralprograms/. Travel Nevada anticipates announcing the selected 3D participants on Dec. 8, following approval by the Nevada Commission on Tourism.
Any destination eligible to apply for Travel Nevada’s Marketing Matching Grant program also may apply for the 3D Project. Applicants can include either stand-alone destinations or collaboratives of multiple partners unified around a concept in an identifiable geographic location.
The scoring system will favor collaborative approaches likely to yield significant local or statewide economic impact and that demonstrate ability to steer a project to completion. Points also will be awarded for projects likely to align with Travel Nevada’s marketing strategy, spark development in lesser-known places, and showcase diverse cultures or support diverse communities or businesses.
Selected 3D destinations will agree to engage in an 8-month planning process to workshop a research-based strategy for shaping their destination’s unique assets to attract new or increased visitation. Each 3D destination will participate in creating a 10-year plan providing ongoing guidance in developing their destination and potentially attracting future investment.
“I am proud that Travel Nevada is able to offer this investment in rural tourism infrastructure,” said Brenda Scolari, Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “We hope Nevada’s communities will take advantage of this program, which aims to support a vibrant economic future throughout the state.”
To help shape and guide the 3D project, Travel Nevada has formed a 3D Working Group representing partnerships with other government agencies, academia, and private industry. Members include:
* Colin Robertson, Administrator, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
* Shari Davis, Director, Rural Economic and Community Development, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
* Miles Gurtler, BLM NV Recreation, National Conservation Lands & Tourism Lead, U.S. Bureau of Land Management
* Tony Manfredi, Executive Director, Nevada Arts Council
* Frederick Steinmann, Assistant Research Professor, University of Nevada Reno
* Myron Freedman, Administrator, Nevada Division of Museums and History
* Stacey Montooth, Executive Director, Nevada Indian Commission
* Rebecca Palmer, Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer
* Lucas Ingvoldstad, Rural Development State Director, Nevada, USDA
### Travel Nevada (the Nevada Division of Tourism) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is responsible for promoting and marketing Nevada as a travel destination. Operating within a performance-based budget structure, TravelNevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state. For more, visit TravelNevada.biz.
