JHTTB Votes to Support Responsible Recreation and Cultural Capital with $308K in Funding to Local Organizations

Through community partnership grants, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board allocates lodging tax funds to local organizations who can further work that enhances the mission of the JHTTB and satisfies initiatives of Teton County’s Sustainable Destination Management Plan (SDMP). The JHTTB’s support of the Center for the Arts, Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance, Camina Conmigo, Velo22, and KHOL Community radio provides funding to projects that enhance the visitor experience, increase the type and number of cultural and recreational opportunities, and educate visitors on how to participate responsibly.

“Thanks to the funds collected by the lodging tax, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board is able to partner with local organizations to create diverse offerings that enhance the visitor experience and local quality of life,” says Mary Bess, Board Chair of the JHTTB. “We value these ongoing collaborations and recognize the benefits they’ll provide both visitors and residents.”

JHTTB funding allocated to Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance ($90,000), Camina Conmigo ($60,000), and Velo22 ($6,500) is intended to support  the marketing and communicating of responsible recreation behaviors to a national audience. The JHTTB has funded the Nordic Alliance for 8 years and has seen the organization grow its reach and impact, attracting over 300,000 educated nordic adventurers annually to the over 400 miles of nordic trails in the valley. Funding for Camina Conmigo, a Coombs Outdoors program for the Latino community, will support more than 250 Spanish-speaking recreationists taking part in responsible outdoor recreation and education in the Tetons. With funding from the JHTTB, the newly-launched website, Velo22, will provide a central hub for the cycling community and a one-stop resource for bike-focused tourism to Jackson.

Partnerships with the Center for the Arts ($77,000) and KHOL Community Radio ($75,000) will diversify visitor offerings and enhance the cultural capital of Jackson Hole. Center for the Arts funding supports the Discovery! Series with a vision to make world-class arts and cultural performances accessible in the Jackson community. Finally, the continued partnership with KHOL Community Radio supports their local newsroom – informing, educating, and culturally-orienting over 101,000 listeners.

The Town Council Chambers were filled during the public meeting as community members encouraged the JHTTB to approve funding for these local organizations. More than 35 public comments were made in person and emailed in favor of funding to the five presenting organizations.

Community Partnerships Grant Funding targets projects that implement destination management, destination experience development, destination marketing, and destination stewardship. Applications are accepted by the JHTTB on a quarterly basis to be considered for funding based on eligibility requirements. By using the visitor-paid lodging tax to financially support local organizations, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board ensures Jackson remains vibrant, wild, and welcoming for both residents and visitors.

Through strategic allocation of Teton County’s lodging tax funds, we steward Jackson Hole toward a sustainable destination, where our leadership, marketing, management, and community engagement ensure the vitality of our natural and human ecosystems.