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Tourism Assistance
We may assist visitors, organizations, businesses and others in various ways.
Plan an Adventure
Would you like to visit the Enchanted Mountains (Cattaraugus County) but need help planning a trip? Please contact us.
Places in EM
Do you operate an organization or business in the Enchanted Mountains?
Event Organizers
Are you organizing an event in the Enchanted Mountains?
Grants
If you organize an event, program or activity in Cattaraugus County then you may want to check out the Tourism Promotion Grant Program!
Tourism Promotion Grant Program (Group B Bed Tax Grant)
Questions
If you have questions about traveling, tourism or outdoor recreation then please contact us.
Cattaraugus County Art Council Announces New Name in 2018!
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council is now officially the Tri-County Arts Council!
Group B
"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
Socialize with Us
Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2024
Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they officially light the town's holiday decorations! This festive Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. Santa will be in attendance and light up thousands of lights in Lincoln Park and downtown Olean when he parades through town in celebration.
Tourism Promotion Program
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).
Tri-County Trout Derby
Ellicottville's 2023 Christmas Stroll
Celebrate the Holiday Season with a Living Nativity, complete with a camel, all in the Village. The Ellicottvilles Christmas Stroll was created in 1987 by a group of citizens who wanted to organize such an event in the village. After brainstorming over coffee, it was decided that they wanted a live nativity scene with children dressed as angels and shepherds, who walked around the village and met at the gazebo. There, the baby Jesus was presented and caroling presided.
12 Skating Days of Christmas 2023
Through the generosity of the community businesses and organizations listed below, the City of Olean Youth Bureau & Recreation Department is offering free admission for public ice skating the following dates and times. There is a $3.00 skate rental fee.
Special appearance by Santa on December 24th from 12-2pm. Free admission, just a $3 rental fee. Sponsored by the Olean Rotary Club.
Olean's Santa Claus Lane Parade 2023
Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they officially light the town's holiday decorations! This festive Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. Santa will be in attendance and light up thousands of lights in Lincoln Park and downtown Olean when he parades through town in celebration.
Below is a video that highlights the 2016 parade, from the Olean Times Herald, produced by Adam Miller.
Autumn is Wonder-fall 2010
Well, it is already Autumn in 2010 and we love the falling leaves. We've created the following routes to take you through different areas of Cattaraugus County.
This post is long-winded as it gives you some options for your trip into Cattaraugus County.