The Tourism Matching Advertising Partnership Program is a reimbursable partnership program that provides matching funds for innovative and effective direct advertising projects that increase visitation and travel expenditures in the State of West Virginia impacting the economic growth of the travel industry.
Deadlines
Legislative Rule - (Microsoft word document)
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION
ALL APPLICANTS TO THE MATCHING ADVERTISING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
On Thursday, April 11, 2013, the Tourism Commission made the following announcements:
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The Commission reminded applicants to the MAPProgram of the following recommendation, which was approved by the Commission in 2009:
A stipulation that, if an approved applicant does not utilize all funding in past applications, current allowable funding will be reduced accordingly, with a provision for Tourism Commission appeal citing extraordinary circumstance.
Please keep in mind, that if you know you are not going to use all the funding you have been awarded in an application, please turn those dollars back in as soon as possible, so others in the industry can participate in the MAPProgram – don’t wait until the end of your project. This is particularly important with large dollar amounts.
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In an effort to make sure that all MAPP projects are evaluated on a competitive basis as required, the Tourism Commission announced that the MAPP Section staff will no longer review MAPP applications as in the past, or request any revisions or additions once the application is submitted. All applications will be evaluated according to their compliance with the rules of the program, the overall value of the project as displayed in the application, as well as completeness, including supplying tracking, signature forms, and all other requested information. If applications are incomplete when submitted, the Tourism Commission may allow the project to be updated and resubmitted for the next deadline.
MAPP Section staff may be used as a resource in advance of deadline dates, but no changes or additions may be made to the application once it is submitted.
Should you have any questions, please contact Anna Plantz at the Division of Tourism at 304-558-2200 or Anna.M.Plantz@wv.gov.
We recommend that, if you are planning to submit an application for May, 2013 or any future deadlines, that you contact Anna Plantz in advance for all updates and be sure to download the newest forms for the program which may be found at: wvcommerce.org/travel/industryinformation/mapp
Here are some important MAPP reminders:
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Be sure your application is project-specific. Since this is a competitive process, the most effective and trackable projects are those that have a specific target market or demographic (Examples: targeting women vacation planners, or the Washington, DC market). Projects that include a year of overall advertising have been sent back the applicants for further refining and resubmission at a later date.
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Always download the most recent forms when submitting an application.
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Become familiar with the logo standards and make sure your vendors are familiar with them as well, and always download the most recent versions of the logos.
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If you are requesting creative approval for an ad, please be sure to download the Creative Approval Form at: http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/industryinformation/mapp/mapp-approval.aspx and include it along with a pdf of your proposed creative.
ALL creative approval requests should come from the Project Director listed on the approved application as this person is the contact for the award.
Creative approval requests should not be sent to us from vendors who are preparing your ads.
ALL BILLBOARDS MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE OF PRODUCTION.
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For reimbursement – please make sure that your final reimbursement requests are received within 90 days after the ending project date as specified in the legislative rule for the program – This is the law for the program and will cause the loss of your reimbursement unless followed.
ADDITIONAL PRIOR MAPP NOTIFICATIONS!
Eligible Applicants
Applicant means a for-profit or non-profit entity or organization located within the state that promotes tourism within the state and is also a destination. The term "applicant" may not include vendors that would be supplying services paid for out of MAPP funds, schools or camps.
Definition of "Destination":
"Destination" means one of the following:
- A region or area located within the state containing three or more attractions;
- An independent activity located within the state;
- A cultural or historic site or event which includes, but is not limited to, fairs or festivals, heritage and historic sites and museums;
- Entertainment establishments which include, but are not limited to, pari-mutuel gaming establishments, live performing art centers, sporting organization or arenas, vineyards or wineries;
- Scenic or natural sites such as show caves or caverns; Theme or Amusement Parks; or Zoos, Aquariums or Wild Animal Parks;
Additional Definitions:
"Attraction" means an entity which is at least one of the following:
- A cultural or historic site or event which includes, but is not limited to, fairs or festivals, heritage and historic sites and museums;
- Entertainment establishments which include, but are not limited to, pari-mutuel gaming establishments, live performing art centers, sporting organizations or arenas, vineyards or wineries;
- Scenic or natural areas such as show caves or caverns; Theme or Amusement Parks; Zoos, Aquariums or Wild Animal Parks;
- Recreational Activities, including but not limited to whitewater rafting, skiing and snow activities, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.
"Independent Activity" means an entity or organization which attracts a minimum of eighty-five percent (85%) of its visitors from outside the local market and is at least once of the following:
- An entity or organization which provides recreational activities including but not limited to, whitewater rafting, skiing and snow activities, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, bus tours, dinner cruises and sightseeing tours;
- A Resort;
- A Destination Inn or Bed and Breakfast;
- An entity or organization offering vacation rentals; or
- Destination shopping
- Destination camping
"Resort" means a full-service lodging facility that is frequented for relaxation or recreational purposes and offers at least two amenities.
"Amenity" includes spa services, golf courses, full-service restaurants, skiing or snow activities, tennis, horseback riding, hiking trails, boating or fishing.
"Destination Inn or Bed and Breakfast" means a lodging facility located within the state whose recognized reputation for service and amenities are the primary motivation factor for visitors to travel to the area where it is located.
"Vacation Rental" means a lodging facility including chalets, cabins or condominiums. The term "vacation rental" may not include hotels or motels.
“Destination Camping” means a full-service camping facility that is located within the state whose recognized reputation for service and activities are the primary motivating factor for visitors to travel to the area where it is located. Destination Campgrounds must have cabin/lodge room facilities in addition to a minimum of 65 campsites, including RV sites with full hook-ups. Camp sites must be numbered and the destination must include water, shower house, restrooms and firewood. Visitor registration is required along with a campground host and night security. Destination Campgrounds must have an on-site restaurant or grocery/gift shop facilities and offer at least three recreational camping activities.
“Recreational Camping Activities” includes hunting, fishing, boat rentals, boat launch ramp, swimming, horseback riding, ATV and/or hiking/biking trails, golf, miniature golf, and museums.
SEE PROGRAM OVERVIEW FOR AWARD LEVELS