The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau announces the opening of its 2016 Tourism Enhancement Grants program. This year, $35,000 in grant funding is available for qualified projects focused on tourism promotion.

The first round of grant applications are due March 1 for consideration at the March OPVB board meeting. In 2015, 19 grants were awarded, supporting tourism collateral production, promotion of area festivals and events, and website development.

Funds for this grant program are derived from revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax on lodging facilities in unincorporated Clallam County. Lodging tax revenue is designated for the promotion of tourism to encourage long-term economic growth through tourism-related projects or events that attract overnight guests to the destination.

Grant applications will be reviewed at the March, April, June and September OPVB board meetings as long as funds are available.

Applications must be submitted for consideration by the first day of the month prior to the scheduled review meeting. Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.olympicpeninsula.org/page/tourism-grants.

Call Marsha Massey for more information at 452-8552, if your organization is interested in applying for a grant.