Tourism Grant Program
The purpose of this grant program is to increase visitation, enhance the visitor experience, and increase overnight stays in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. A percentage of each county's room tax is allocated to a grant program specifically established to support the county’s tourism assets.
Laurel Highlands Tourism is the administrator of the grant programs, overseeing the documentation process and compliance with guidelines. Grants are subject to audit each year. Grants are disbursed at the direction of the grant committee designated by each county.
2027 Grant Cycle:
- Application available online | Monday, August 24, 2026 at 9 am
- Application submission deadline | Friday, October 2, 2026 at 4 pm
- Date grant funds must be utilized by | Thursday, December 31, 2027
- Due date for final reporting | Friday, March 31, 2028 at 4 pm
Ready to Apply?
Grant opens August 24 at 9 a.m.
Click the button below to login (returning applicant) or to create a username and password (new applicant). Once you are logged in, choose your county and the the grant category (i.e. marketing, capital) you will be applying for then proceed to the application. REMEMBER TO CLICK THE GREEN SUBMIT BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE ONCE YOU COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.
Laurel Highlands Partner Marketing Opportunities:
Click here for opportunities eligible for the 2027 grant cycle
2026 Grant Cycle:
- Date grant funds must be utilized by | Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Due date for final reporting | Wednesday, March 31, 2027 at 4 pm
Click here to view the 2026 Fayette County Grants
Somerset County Tourism Grant Program Logo
Click the link of the desired file type. Once the new window opens, right click the image and select "save image as" to save the logo to your computer.
File type:
In 2000 (PA Act No. 142 of 2000), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted legislation that enabled counties to implement a hotel (lodging) occupancy tax. The purpose of the tax was to provide operating/marketing dollars to DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) to promote tourism. The current 5% tax in the region is collected by the lodging property (hotel, motel, inn, resort, B & B, short-term rental, guesthouse, vacation rental, hostel, cabins with running water) and remitted to the respective county tax office. By law, 4% is to be retained by the county for administrative purposes.
Laurel Highlands Tourism is officially designated as the DMO for Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset Counties. It is recognized as a legacy brand in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is highly respected for its leadership in tourism marketing and regional promotion. By law (PA Act No.18 of 2016) Laurel Highlands Tourism receives a portion of the occupancy tax funds. Through individual county MOUs, the funds are disbursed as follows.
Westmoreland County:
- Two-thirds of 3% is allocated to Laurel Highlands Tourism for marketing, public relations, and operations
- One-third of 3% goes to the Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program
- 2% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
Fayette County:
- 50% of 3% is allocated to Laurel Highlands Tourism for marketing, public relations, and operations
- 50% of 3% goes to the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program
- 2% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
Somerset County:
- 30% of the total 5% is allocated to Laurel Highlands Tourism for marketing, public relations, and operations.
- 40% of the 5% funds the Somerset County Tourism Grant Program
- 30% of the 5% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
Laurel Highlands Tourism commissions an independent outside auditing firm to conduct an annual audit, and the final report is provided to each of the county’s commissioners.