Home Posts tagged Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

State Opens FY 2027 Destination Development Capital Grant Program

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), announced that the application portal for the FY2027 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is now open. This round of the grant program will provide up to $8 million in funding for capital projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and increase non-resident visitation across Massachusetts.

The competitive grant program supports tourism-related capital improvements that promote sustainability, accessibility, and long-term economic impact. Priority consideration will be given to projects that advance the state’s tourism goals, including climate resiliency, rural development, and designated cultural districts.

Authorized by the Mass Leads Act, the DDC Grant Program supports investments in tourism assets that contribute to economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.

“Tourism is one of Massachusetts’ most powerful economic development assets. These investments help communities build the destinations, cultural attractions, and public spaces that attract visitors, generate local spending, and create long-term economic opportunity,” Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said. “By investing in projects across every region of the Commonwealth, we are strengthening local economies and positioning Massachusetts for continued growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and other entities undertaking capital projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate tourism destinations and attractions. All proposals must demonstrate how the project supports the tourism objectives of MOTT and the state’s Regional Tourism Councils.

“Great tourism experiences begin with great places. From cultural attractions and historic sites to downtown districts and outdoor destinations, these capital projects help communities create the experiences visitors are looking for,” said Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “When we invest in the places that bring people together and tell Massachusetts’ story, we strengthen tourism, encourage repeat visitation, and support the businesses and communities that make our state such a compelling destination.”

Click here to visit MOTT’s online application portal to view program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and to submit an application. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Aug. 11. An optional, informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. Click here to register.

Tourism Drives Continued Economic Growth in Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) announced the 2024 economic impact of the state’s travel and tourism industry, which grew to $24.2 billion in direct spending from 52.6 million domestic and international travelers, generating $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue and supporting 155,808 jobs across the state.

Total visitor spending in 2024 reflects a $600 million increase over the previous year, when visitors spent $23.6 billion across the state. The industry also added nearly 1,500 jobs compared to 2023, underscoring tourism’s continued momentum and its impact on small businesses, communities, and workers statewide.

“Our tourism industry supports thousands of jobs, brings in billions in economic benefit, and gives us an opportunity to showcase everything that makes Massachusetts so special,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “It’s great to see that tourism in Massachusetts continues to be strong, especially as we gear up for another year of Massachusetts 250 celebrations, as well as the FIFA World Cup and Sail250. Our administration will continue to invest in the infrastructure, cultural programming, and destination marketing that strengthen local economies and position Massachusetts as a top travel destination.”

Tourism generated $2.3 billion in combined state and local tax revenue, sustaining essential public services while easing the tax burden on residents. Visitor spending helped fund municipal programs through local option room occupancy taxes and supported employment in a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and the arts.

“Massachusetts has always been defined by its welcoming spirit, prolific cultural fabric, and deep sense of history,” said Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “With major city and town anniversaries on the horizon and statewide celebrations planned, we’re proud to work alongside regional tourism councils, cultural institutions, and small businesses to showcase all that Massachusetts has to offer, from vibrant cities to historic villages, to travelers from around the world.”

Report Shows How Tourism Drives Economic Growth in Massachusetts

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism announced the 2023 economic impact of the Massachusetts travel and tourism industry, which grew 5.3% to $23.6 billion in spending from 52.3 million domestic and international travelers, generating $2.3 billion in taxes for municipalities and the state and supporting 154,330 jobs.

“Massachusetts’ tourism industry is a critical part of our state’s economy, showcasing our rich history and culture for millions of visitors from across the globe,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We are thrilled to see that tourism in Massachusetts continues to grow and just reached a five-year high — and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum as we celebrate Massachusetts 250 over the next couple of years.”

In 2023, visitor-generated state and local tax revenue amounted to approximately $825 per household in the state. For every dollar spent by a visitor in the state, 6.7 cents went towards state taxes, and 2.8 cents contributed toward local taxes, highlighting one significant impact of tourism in Massachusetts.

The state also generated substantial revenue from visitor spending through hotel-room occupancy taxes. State hotel occupancy tax collections reached $395 million, while local-option room occupancy tax collections totaled $350 million.

International visitor spending in Massachusetts grew 80% to $2.9 billion in 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic amount of $3.3 billion spent in 2019. Domestic visitor spending remained at 2022 levels with $20.7 billion spent.