Grants & Funding

The Grants & Funding team is dedicated to supporting the Colorado tourism industry by offering funding opportunities designed to strengthen Colorado’s competitiveness, respond to industry needs, and align industry efforts. Since 2015, the CTO has awarded over 500 grants investing over 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.
• Assist the tourism industry by offering opportunities that adapt to an evolving tourism landscape.
• Maximize return on investment (ROI) and optimize impact by providing opportunities that leverage 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:

• Increased the economic impact of the tourism industry.
• Enhance and promote visitor experience.
• Strengthen and reinforce the Colorado brand through industry partner alignment with the Colorado brand and messaging.
• Advance destination stewardship and responsible travel.
• Foster collaboration within the Colorado tourism industry.

Programs, Initiatives & Opportunities

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

Tourism Management Grant provides funding to support projects that develop, enhance or better manage visitor experiences.

Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference Professional Scholarship helps 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.