(Left: Jamestown Dance Festival; Right: The Lake Erie Wine Trail)
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – Chautauqua County has awarded $135,349 in 2026 Occupancy Tax Tourism Development Grants for Tourism Product Development, supporting innovative projects that elevate visitor experiences, strengthen regional attractions, and drive long-term tourism growth.
After an extremely competitive application process where the County received a record number of applications, 14 projects from across Chautauqua County were selected for their creativity, community impact, and alignment with the program’s goals.
The 2026 Tourism Grant Awardees are:
Events:
- SUNY Fredonia School of Business – AI Film Festival
- Chautauqua County Airports – Wings over WNY, Chautauqua Skies Airshow
- Jamestown Skating Club – Skate Chautauqua
- Sukanya Burma Dance Inc. – Jamestown Dance Festival
- Festival’s Fredonia – Ice Wine Festival
Placemaking:
- Findley Lake Forward – Findley Lake I-86 Tourism Attraction Project
- Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy – Marden Cobb Waterway Trail – Wayfinding and Informational Kiosks: Phase II
- Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency – Discover & Explore, Jamestown Pictorial Map
- Scott’s Peek n’ Peak – Multi-Purpose Sports Complex Feasibility Study
Marketing:
- Reg Lenna Center for the Arts – Destination Marketing Campaign
- Western NY Land Conservancy – Promoting Outdoor Recreation Tourism with Aerial Video
- Bemus Point Business Association – Visit Bemus Point, Next Step Marketing
- Rivet & Roost – Chautauqua County Film, Television, & Tourism Development Initiative
- Lake Erie Wine Country – Updating Visual Assets
“By supporting projects that enhance attractions, improve visitor engagement, and build long-term value, we are investing in the future of tourism in Chautauqua County,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “This year’s awardees are leading the way with fresh ideas that will help position our county for sustained growth and increased visibility on a regional and national stage.”
Each project represents the spirit of innovation and collaboration that makes Chautauqua County Tourism thrive.
“The 14 grants awarded through this program for 2026 underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening the County’s tourism assets, supporting event development, and advancing strategic marketing efforts that drive continued growth in visitation,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development. “These investments not only enhance the experiences for residents and visitors alike, but also help sustain local businesses, create new opportunities for collaboration, and ensure our county remains a vibrant, competitive destination for years to come.”
The Occupancy Tax Grant for Tourism Product Development was established to support projects that attract new visitors, extend stays, and highlight the diverse attractions unique to Chautauqua County. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $1.5M to more than 220 local initiatives across the County. Over the past three years, interest in the program has grown significantly, making the grant increasingly competitive. While many strong proposals are received each year, available funding is limited, and the review committee must select the projects that best align with the program’s goals and funding priorities.
Chautauqua County’s 3% Occupancy Tax Tourism Product Development Grant Program is supported by a portion of the County’s bed tax. The program is designed to help create and enhance tourism products and events while boosting visitor awareness and overnight stays. Since its inception, it has supported the development of unique attractions, events, and tourism infrastructure across the County. Recent updates have increased the maximum award amounts and broadened the range of eligible projects. For the 2026 grant cycle, there are three categories: Events, Placemaking, and Marketing, with Placemaking introduced as a new option this year.
For more information about the Tourism Grant Program and past awardees, visit: planningchautauqua.com or contact Steph Nick, Special Projects Coordinator – Economic Development, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development nicks@chqgov.com.
