(PFM Ventures received a grant to assist with the adaptive reuse of a barn into a year-round indoor venue. PFM Ventures has hosted concerts, yoga classes, dance classes and more in this space over the last year.)
MAYVILLE, NY – Each year during the timeframe of July through October, Chautauqua County releases its annual grant application process for the Tourism Product Development Program where interested applicants can seek funding to undertake tourism-related projects using a portion of the County’s 3% Occupancy Tax allocation. The program requires that all applications demonstrate that the project will attract tourists to the County. The applications are reviewed by a stakeholder group with tourism, small business, and economic development expertise.
In 2024, Chautauqua County awarded a total of twenty-two grants, with a cumulative funding amount of $124,830. These grants supported a broad spectrum of initiatives, ranging from marketing efforts aimed at attracting visitors from outside the County, to projects focused on the development or enhancement of local attractions and destinations.
While the County strives to support as many projects as possible, the volume of applications often exceeds available funding amounts. As a result, this can often be a very competitive process. Applicants whose projects do not receive funding through this initiative are encouraged to explore other business development or funding opportunities through referrals made by the project team that align with their project goals and funding needs.
The 22 awards in 2024 were made to the following grantees: PFM Ventures; SUNY Fredonia; Panama Rocks; Wilson Endurance Sports; Merritt Estate Winery; Chautauqua Institution; Festivals Fredonia; North Shore Arts Alliance; Jamestown Jackals; Roger Tory Peterson Institute; Lakewood YMCA; Lucy Desi Museum; National Comedy Center; Chautauqua Harbor Hotel; Robert H. Jackson Center; Pearl City Clayhouse; Findley Lake Forward; CHQ Chamber; and, Westfield Development Corp.
Tourism is a key industry in Chautauqua County. The successful execution of these County supported projects demonstrates the effective use of occupancy tax funds to stimulate tourism, enhance local attractions, and result in positive economic impacts. Through the Competitive Occupancy Tax Grant Program, unique projects that may otherwise not have come to fruition have assisted communities, organizations, and businesses to become more sustainable, attract people from across the region and country to visit Chautauqua County, and help to stimulate the economy.
In 2023, The US Travel Association reported that across the US $1.3 trillion was spent on travel, which produced 2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million jobs. For every dollar spent on travel, approximately $2.20 was returned in economic benefits. In New York State, $95.7 billion was spent or travel, creating $10.2 billion in tax revenue and supporting 458,900 jobs. Here in New York’s 23rd congressional district, $3.2 billion was spent on travel and associated costs, creating $355 million in tax revenue and supported 18,300 jobs, according to the report.
According to the New York State Tourism Industry Association, in 2023, Chautauqua County experienced $314 million in tourism spending while creating nearly $24million in county tax revenue. If not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, 35% of which comes from the bed tax, the average household in Chautauqua County would pay an extra $773 annually to maintain the same level of government revenue. Chautauqua County’s tourism industry employs over 4,500 people through direct, indirect, and induced visitor spending, the report states.
For 2025, the decision to increase the individual award amount was made in an effort to support slightly larger projects, with the goal of yielding greater benefits to the County. This adjustment was intended to provide applicants with the flexibility and resources needed to undertake more ambitious initiatives that could potentially have a larger impact on tourism in Chautauqua County. While we do not currently have clear insights as to the results of this adjustment, we will review the findings at the end of the year to ascertain what positive effects this may have had.
A total of 14 projects were selected to receive funding through the 2025 3% Occupancy Tax program, with a combined total of $109,866 awarded. Just as in 2024, the range of projects funded was diverse, reflecting the broad spectrum of tourism-related opportunities within Chautauqua County. The awarded projects again spanned various sectors.
The 14 projects in 2025 were made to the following grantees: Scott’s Peek’n Peak; The White Inn; SUPErie Adventures; Jamestown Skating Club; Dunkirk Local Development Agency; CHQ Chamber; Bemus Point Business Association; Roger Tory Peterson Institute; Chautauqua Institution; Lake Erie Wine Country; Chautauqua Watershed Conservatory; Wilson Endurance Sports; Reg Lenna Center for the Arts; and, Merritt Estate Winery.
“We are pleased to see our tourism economy rebound extremely well after the Covid-19 pandemic hindered travel in 2020 and 2021,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development. “We’ve seen increased visitation and visitor spending with record visitation in the first quarter of 2025, due primarily to the extended snowmobile season, as compared to the past several years.”
By supporting a wide range of business and tourism-driven endeavors, the program is aimed at fostering a balanced and sustainable tourism economy that benefits both local communities and visitors alike. Whether focused on expanding existing attractions, creating new experiences for visitors, or promoting the County beyond its borders, these projects represent a strategic investment in enhancing Chautauqua County’s status as a sought-after destination.
“We hope our strategic grant making will further improve our county’s destinations and event offerings, while promoting new marketing and promotional campaigns to foster further visitation,” said Geise.
Chautauqua County truly has something for everyone, offering a wealth of experiences that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or someone simply looking to explore new places, the County's diverse attractions cater to all interests and tastes. From its scenic landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant events, to its historic sites, outdoor recreation opportunities, and local businesses, Chautauqua County is a destination. For more information about the County’s 3% Tourism Product Development Grant Program, please contact Stephanie Nick, Special Projects Coordinator at nicks@chqgov.com.
