Grants & Funding

The Grants & Funding program offers opportunities designed to strengthen Colorado’s tourism industry and support sustainable, responsible travel across the state. Since 2015, the CTO has awarded over 500 grants investing over $10 million to support tourism efforts in 57 out of the 64 counties across Colorado.

Our main goals are:

• Strengthen Colorado’s statewide economic growth and advance the state’s competitive position.
• Provide valuable opportunities to the tourism industry.
• Maximize return on investment (ROI) and optimize impact by strategically leveraging funds.
• Create alignment between CTO opportunities to maximize benefits for industry partners.

We partner with Colorado destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and statewide tourism industry trade associations to:

• Increase visitor spending and drive economic prosperity.
• Develop and enhance the visitor experience.
• Reinforce and strengthen the Colorado brand through industry partner alignment with the Colorado brand and messaging.
• Advance destination stewardship and responsible travel practices.
• Foster collaboration within the Colorado tourism industry.
• Enhance Colorado’s position as a leading, multi-season destination and extend the visitor season.

Programs, Initiatives & Opportunities

Tourism Marketing Grant provides funding to support destination and statewide industry trade association marketing efforts.

Tourism Management Grant provides financial assistance for tourism-related projects that develop, enhance, or manage visitor experiences in Colorado.

Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference Professional Scholarship helps Colorado tourism professionals attend the annual Governor's Tourism Conference.

Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference Student Scholarship helps college and university students attend the annual Governor's Tourism Conference.