As it launches phase two of its Sport and Event Expansion Fund, Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism (CVEDS) is calling for applications by sport and festival focused events that will drive visitation, overnight stays, and investment in the Comox Valley.
Funding is available thanks to the Comox Valley’s additional two per cent hotel room tax (AHRT). Successful applicants will receive what is often needed most to be successful – cold, hard cash. Available funds will be disbursed to sporting events and festivals as chosen by a sub-committee of the Comox Valley Destination Marketing Advisory Committee (DMAC).
The initial deadline for 2014 applications is June 30. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the committee and selected based on meeting the designated criteria. The second submission deadline is Aug. 31. After this date, applications will be accepted and evaluated as funds remain available.
Eligible expenses that may be supported by the fund include online external marketing and print advertising; capital funding for new tourism infrastructure projects; bid fees for new events and conferences; and site inspections and travel costs for new events and conferences, prior to the event being awarded.
In 2013/14, events that benefitted from the first phase of the Sport & Event Expansion Fund included the Mini World Cup Event presented by the Comox Valley United Soccer Club, BC Seniors Curling Championship held by the Comox Valley Curling Club, PGA Tour Canada Spring Qualifying School at Crown Isle Resort, and WinterBites tournament support for Comox Valley Minor Hockey.
For more details and to download the application form, visit http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com/resources.
“We look forward to supporting the growth of existing events and festivals and investing in new community focused events in 2014, helping to draw overnight visitors to the Comox Valley, and increasing the economic impact on the region,” said DMAC chair Bill Anglin.
For more information on CVEDS visit www.investcomoxvalley.com.
– Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism