Travel Nevada Unveils Special Projects Grant to Enrich Visitor Experience for All
CARSON CITY, NV – The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) is introducing a new funding opportunity to support tourism partners statewide through the FY26 Special Projects Grant Program.
Administered by Travel Nevada’s Industry Development team, this initiative builds on ongoing collaboration with stakeholders across the state to strengthen Nevada’s tourism economy. Recent outreach, particularly in rural areas, has identified critical gaps in infrastructure, services, and capacity that limit the visitor experience and hinder communities from fully benefiting from tourism’s economic potential.
In response, Travel Nevada has initiated a new phase of destination development focused on smaller-scale, high-impact projects that address immediate needs, build community strength, and improve visitor readiness.
As part of the 83rd (2025) Legislative session, $500,000 was allocated to Travel Nevada’s destination development efforts to expand its capacity to meet partner needs and advance strategic priorities including stewardship, accessibility, and workforce development.
The FY26 Special Projects Grant Program will focus specifically on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in Nevada’s tourism landscape. Applicants may apply under one of the following two project categories:
- One-Year Programmatic Support & Training – Up to $100,000 set aside for projects such as education, technology solutions, and visitor-readiness programs.
- Two-Year Infrastructure Projects – Up to $400,000 for improvements to facilities, attractions, and recreation amenities that provide more accessible and inclusive visitor experiences.
Enhancing the visitor experience means creating spaces and services that are welcoming and inclusive of everyone. With over 61 million adults in the U.S. – approximately 26% of the population – living with a disability, Nevada’s tourism industry has a powerful opportunity to lead by offering experiences that are not only accessible, but also thoughtfully designed to be comfortable, engaging, and memorable for all. By embracing inclusivity as a core part of hospitality, destinations can ensure every guest feels valued and able to fully enjoy all that Nevada has to offer.
“This grant program is an important step in ensuring that every traveler, regardless of ability, feels welcome in Nevada,” said Rafael Villanueva, CEO Travel Nevada. “At Travel Nevada, we focus on driving visitors to our state and finding ways to enhance the visitor experience, so they return often. By investing in accessibility and inclusivity, we’re not only doing what’s right, but we’re also strengthening communities, supporting local economies, and helping Nevada stand out as a destination that truly values all visitors.”
Applications will be accepted from October 1 through November 14 online at https://travelnevada.biz/special-projects-grant-program/. Selected projects will be announced following approval by the Nevada Commission on Tourism.
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, Travel Nevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state. For more, visit TravelNevada.biz.