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 MAPP NOTIFICATIONS! - Read first!
March 2012 - Canceled Commission Meetings - Please Note: The April, May and June Commission meetings have been canceled.
The June MAPP grants will be reviewed on the morning of the July 11th meeting at the Division of Tourism office with the Commission meeting being in the afternoon. Times of each meeting will be forthcoming.
12/16/10– The following recommendation was approved by vote of the Tourism Commission:
The Best Practices Committee of the Tourism Commission reviewed web trends for the tourism industry and recommended that minimum criteria be established from time to time for funding requests involving web development. The Best Practices Committee further recommended that future applications seeking funding for web development must include development of a mobile version of the applicant’s website, if this component has not already been developed.
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
Contacts
Application Process:
$10,000+ - Contact Anna Plantz 304-558-2200 ext 59325, anna.m.plantz@wv.gov
$5,000 Fairs & Festivals - Contact Jane Godwin 304-558-2200 ext 59376, jane.e.godwin@wv.gov
Up to $7,500 - Contact Jane Godwin 304-558-2200 ext 59376, jane.e.godwin@wv.gov
Questions - Contact Tonya Conley 304-558-2200 ext 59344, tonya.a.conley@wv.gov
FAX APPLICATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS TO: 304-558-4893 (See Introduction)
Reimbursement and Audit Process:
Contact Les Smith 304-558-2200 ext 59314, les.m.smith@wv.gov
Eric Ayersman 304-558-2200 ext 59386, eric.j.ayersman@wv.gov
Connie Rosenbaum 304-558-2200 ext 59322, connie.l.rosenbaum@wv.gov
Denise Allen 304-558-2200 ext 59354, denise.a.allen@wv.gov
FAX: 304-558-0108
Logo Standards:
Creative Approval Requests: Contact Anna Plantz 304-558-2200 ext 59325, anna.m.plantz@wv.gov
Special use of The Brand Identity Logo that fall outside of the parameters of the logo standards guide, contact Anna Plantz 304-558-2200 ext 59325.
Computerized version of the Brand Identity logo, contact Rita Kee 304-558-2200 ext 59327.