Hotel tax dollars to support marketing efforts for 2024 events, overnight stays
Wayne County Commissioners, Wayne County Hotel Tax Board, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are proud to announce roughly $200,000 in funding for events and nonprofit organizations for the coming year thanks to the Tourism Project Disbursement Allocation Program. This program has helped to fund many organizations and events over the past six years totaling more than $780,000 in awards. Applications for funding were submitted from a variety of integral partners in bringing visitors to the area in 2024 including music festivals, historical celebrations and more.
“What makes Wayne County unique is the strong volunteer spirit that pulls off many nonprofit events throughout the year which in turn drives the tourism economy,” said Wayne County Chief Financial Officer Vicky Botjer. “We are blessed to support their efforts which in turn improve the quality of life for everyone here this part of the Pocono Mountains.”
Applications underwent review by the Wayne County Tourism Promotion Committee and the PMVB resulting in allocations including awards such as for events including Roots & Rhythm celebrating its 17th year and the Honesdale Beer & Wine Fest which was a huge success in its inaugural 2023 event. Also receiving funding in 2024 are events that support the Greater Honesdale Partnership, Downtown Hawley Partnership, Chamber of the Northern Poconos, Wayne County Historical Society, an art trail on Route 191 and new applicants including the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District and Young Musicians in Wayne County.
“The Pocono Mountains communities and organizations continue to show first-class hospitality and provide events and entertain visitors and residents,” stated Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the PMVB. “Tourism provides a significant chunk of the economic impact to Wayne County and our organization is thrilled to support the organizations and event planners who make the region such a special place to live, work and visit.”
These disbursements provide marketing assistance to nonprofits and event promoters to assist in bringing visitors to Wayne County and the Pocono Mountains each year providing additional revenue for area businesses.
A list of grant awards are listed on the next page.
2024 PMVB Tourism Grant Awards
Delaware Highlands Conservancy |
$2,200.00 |
Equinunk Historical Society | $4,500.00 |
Lackawaxen River Trails (Wayne Pike Trails and Waterways Alliance) | $5,000.00 |
The Cooperage Project | $11,350.00 |
Taste of the Poconos – Newfoundland Library | $7,086.00 |
Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) | $7,200.00 |
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary | $12,000.00 |
Farm Arts Collective | $5,335.00 |
Rotary Club of Honesdale | $7,200.00 |
Wayne County Historical Society | $12,000.00 |
Harmony Presents Foundation | $7,200.00 |
Women’s Club of Honesdale | $3,350.00 |
Wayne County Creative Arts Council (WCCAC) | $4,480.00 |
Downtown Hawley Partnership | $12,000.00 |
Greater Honesdale Partnership | $12,000.00 |
Chamber of the Northern Poconos | $20,000.00 |
Young Musicians | $800.00 |
Wayne Library Alliance | $5,000.00 |
Roots & Rhythm | $7,200.00 |
NE Maple Producers | $1,000.79 |
Ritz Company Playhouse | $6,000.00 |
Fall Music Festival | $6,500.00 |
Lacawac Sanctuary | $8,000.00 |
Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District | $2,900.00 |
Wayne County Fair | $8,000.00 |
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church | $2,000.00 |
America250PA – Wayne County Community Foundation | $7,200.00 |
Wayne County Community Foundation – Create Communities Art Trail | $4,300.00 |
Total Approved Funding | $191,801.79 |
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CONTACT:
Andrew M. Seder, Chief Clerk
570-253-5970 - ext. 1301
[email protected]