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Tourism

U.S. Department of Commerce Awards $2.2 Million Grant to Arizona Office of Tourism to Support COVID-19 Recovery

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $2.2 million grant to the Arizona Office of Tourism to support the state's tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is expected to create 12,500 jobs and retain 87,100 jobs, demonstrating the EDA's commitment to delivering relief and resources to local economies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The grant is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs.
  • The Arizona Office of Tourism will develop and implement a data-driven marketing program to recoup lost revenue and jobs in the tourism sector.
  • The project is expected to support the development of a plan to attract business travel and conventions, helping to boost the state's economy.
  • The grant is one of several initiatives under the EDA's American Rescue Plan, which has allocated $750 million to support state tourism grants and competitive grants to help communities recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
  • The Arizona Office of Tourism has been working on initiatives to support the state's tourism industry, including Senator Kyrsten Sinema's efforts to provide resources to Arizonans to recover from the pandemic.
  • The EDA's funding for the Arizona Office of Tourism is a critical step in helping the state's tourism industry recover and get Arizonans back to work.

Statistics:

  • The grant is worth $2.2 million.
  • The project is expected to create 12,500 jobs and retain 87,100 jobs.
  • The CARES Act provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs.
  • The EDA's American Rescue Plan has allocated $750 million to support state tourism grants and competitive grants.
  • The tourism industry accounts for a significant portion of Arizona's economy, with a large number of small businesses and jobs reliant on tourism.

Sources:

  • United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
  • Congresswoman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)
  • Senator Kyrsten Sinema
  • Senator Mark Kelly
  • Public Law 116-136 (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act)
  • U.S. Economic Development Administration
  • American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation webpage

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