Despite tourism being one of Vermont’s largest economic contributors, the State’s tourism budget has historically been one of the smallest in the country. Thanks to an influx of Federal dollars, the Scott Administration has proposed historic investments in marketing to bring visitors to Vermont and marketing to attract new residents to Vermont.

In addition to the base budget funding of approximately $3.5 million, key investments include:

• $8.46 million which will be spent over 3 years (not funded via ARPA) as an investment for a Regional Relocation Network which would fund marketing, regional partners, and a new staff member.
• $10.4 million granted from the Federal Economic Development Authority Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program to support destination marketing, workforce and business development, and destination development and infrastructure investments.

These investments would resource the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing to improve the existing marketing efforts and help bolster Vermont’s long-term economic vitality with consistent messaging for visitors and prospective residents.