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Cattaraugus County's Tourism Promotion Grant Program, also known as the Bed Tax Grant Program, accepts funding applications, that support and encourage tourism promotion in Cattaraugus County, New York (the Enchanted Mountains).

Funding Source

The program's funding source is the County's share of taxes collected from overnight stays, bed taxes, within the County. This funding source is split into the following two groups:

Group A

Several Chambers of Commerce with full-time staff.

Group B

Business associations, non-profit organizations, events, festivals, chambers of commerce without full-time staff and other tourism-associated activities.

Program Contact

This grant is managed by Tourism in the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism (Catt. County EDPT).

Various ways to get here and how to get around the Enchanted Mountains (Cattaraugus County, New York).

Major Roadways:

• Interstate 86 runs east/west through our region.
• U.S. Route 219 runs north/south through our region.

Rental Cars / Vehicles:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Olean, NY

Hertz Car Rental in Yorkshire, NY

Airports:

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the closest large airport to us.
• Olean Municipal Airport is located in Ischua, NY.
• Great Valley Airport is located in Great Valley, NY.

Bussing: (SP)

• Seneca Bus Service
• The City of Olean has bussing that covers the entire city.
• Holiday Valley Resort and the Village of Ellicottville has busing that also travels to the Seneca-Niagara Casino, located in Salamanca.

Uber / Lyft / Etc.??

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"Group B" of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program (Bed Tax Program)

Overview

A portion of bed tax is intended to provide grants for advertising and promoting various new or expanded tourism events, unique festivals, attractions and experiences that will attract more visitors for extended stays, overnight visits and day getaways. This grant program seeks to establish the importance of programs and opportunities that promote or support the development of specific themes or significant attractions and events, all of which enhance the level of visitor experience in the area. Any eligible grantee will partner and coordinate with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism (EDPT).

Funds for Marketing Campaign

The funds supplied by this grant, the funding source, are from the County's share of taxes collected from overnight stays, bed taxes, within the County.

This funding is intended to supplement your marketing campaign's advertising budget and not meant to be your entire advertising budget; therefore a match or share of cost is expected.

Eligible Applicants

Chambers without full-time staff, business associations, non-profit organizations, events, festivals and other tourism associated activities.

The funds in this group will be administered by EDPT. Grantees will partner and coordinate with EDPT.

Application Period

Catt. County EDPT will announce the release of the applications in fall for the upcoming year. Applications are accepted after they are released  from October to early December. Please double check application dates as they vary slightly each year. 

Application Process

Complete an application for each marketing campaign project.

The marketing campaign should include which expenses would be covered by the Bed Tax Grant Program and which would be covered by your organization. The marketing campaign for Group B of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program could potentially contain a mix of following:

• Print materials
• Online Advertising
• Radio Advertising
• Television & Video Advertising

Possible applicants should develop a written plan for how their funding will be used.

Application & Guidelines Document

Cattaraugus County Tourism Grant Guidelines 2025