Chautauqua County has awarded $135,349 in 2026 Occupancy Tax Tourism Development Grants to 14 projects across Chautauqua County.
The funding will go toward Tourism Product Development, supporting innovative projects that elevate visitor experiences, strengthen regional attractions, and drive long-term tourism growth.
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 Burman 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
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.
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
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