Del. To Invest More Than $7-Million Into Tourism Recovery

Delaware will invest more than $7,000,000 into tourism, travel and outdoor recreation from an American Rescue Plan program administered by the Economic Development Administration.

Grants will be awarded for efforts that advance the economic recovery of communities where travel and outdoor recreation were hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Governor John Carney and the Division of Small Business, $1,000,000 will be divided among the three counties for marketing efforts. Additional funds will go toward parks and recreation programs to increase accessibility and create more opportunities for Wi-Fi. And, more than $5,250,000 will be shared among three to five projects for what’s called a “commercial corridor challenges.” Organizations will be invited to offer creative solutions to help the tourism industry survive now and withstand future disasters.

“These funds will provide necessary support to the tourism industry that was hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carney said. “Delaware’s $3.5 billion tourism industry employs over 44,000 Delawareans and we need to band together to come up with solutions that help the industry recover and prepare it for future challenges. We’re grateful to our partners in the federal government, Secretary Raimondo and others, who have given us this opportunity.” 

“Rebuilding the travel and tourism industry is a key component of the Biden Administration’s plan to build back better and restore the competitiveness of the United States on the global stage,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimoundo. “The State Tourism grants give states and territories the flexible opportunity to boost their local tourism industry and ensure that jobs are restored and tourists return safely.”

Interested tourism entities can visit bids.delaware.gov to review the RFP and apply.