Explore Georgia awards $75K in tourism grants

Explore Georgia, Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) tourism division, announced recently that it has awarded more than $75,000 in tourism product development grants to 13 new and expanding projects across the state.

The Community Funding Program allows communities to expand, enhance and improve their appeal as a destination for tourists and leverage tourism as a driver of economic impact.

“While Georgia’s tourism industry has felt the painful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing funding for these 13 projects the tourism product development grants will support the safe recovery of the industry throughout the entire state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.

Explore Georgia Tourism Product Development resource teams evaluate a community’s potential for tourism growth and development through innovative and unique experiences.

Recipients of the 2021 Tourism Product Development Community Funding Program include:

■ 6th Cavalry Museum African American WAC Mural — Fort Oglethorpe

■ African American Cultural Center — Brunswick

■ Banner & Cemetery — Randolph County

■ Centennial Trail & City Park — Twin City

■ Chickamauga Canoe Launch Park — Catoosa County

■ Fairview School Access — Cave Spring

■ River Water Trail — Meriwether County

■ Historic District & Trail Signage — Dallas

■ Madison Morgan Conservancy’s Madison Morgan Meander Bike Tour — Madison

■ Mulberry Riverwalk Signage — Braselton

■ Portable Stage — Cedartown

■ Wayfinding — Hawkinsville

■ Wayfinding — Griffin

The grant’s review panel consists of members from the public and private sector as well as fellow professionals who are experienced in the tourism industry or the type of grant being reviewed.

Information: i ndustry. exploregeorgia.org