Boston - On August 26, 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.9 million in grants to 61 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital (DDC) grant program, which supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions.

“Massachusetts is a world-class destination thanks to our rich culture and iconic landmarks,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With these grants, we are supporting small businesses, driving job creation, and investing in local and regional economies across the state. Many of the destinations we are supporting with these grants are tied to our revolutionary past and will have a critical role to play in our upcoming MA250 celebrations.”

“Our state’s tourism industry remains an important part of our economic development strategy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants to Massachusetts’ unique cultural assets will help ensure the state remains premier destination for travelers around the globe, and we are proud to announce these investments.” 

This round of competitive grants is designed to strengthen the state’s economy by investing in tourism infrastructure and experiences. Grant recipients will use the funds to expand, construct, restore, or renovate their facilities and attractions. Projects funded in this round will preserve historic town halls, create interactive tourism experiences, and design multi-media exhibits. Approximately 15 percent of this year’s grants will support revitalization efforts in five Massachusetts Gateway Cities, an investment that will help transform these urban centers into vibrant destinations, boosting tourism statewide.

“Tourism plays a vital role in the economic well-being of our state,” said Economic Development Secretary Hao. “These grants will support updates to our cultural, historic, natural, and community resources that are important to the visitor experience, and we are excited to see these projects come to life.”

“We were thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this grant program this year, which saw a record high number of applications and funding requests,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “The selected projects showcase our state’s strong commitment to growing the tourism industry and providing visitors and Massachusetts residents alike with unforgettable experiences.”

"Tourism, the arts, and cultural institutions are important drivers of our economy here in Massachusetts, and perhaps nowhere more so than in the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts. The Destination Development Capital Grant program is an important partnership where state government is able to directly support the local institutions that grow jobs, provide educational experiences, and enhance the lives and vibrancy of our communities,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Beckett), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “I am grateful to the Healey Driscoll administration for their hard work ensuring that every part of our Commonwealth is receiving the support needed for our tourism economy to thrive."

“Local tourism assets are anchors of our communities, fueling our commonwealth's tourism economy. I'm excited that the awards announced today provide necessary capital funds to a variety of institutions from every corner of the commonwealth,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “Together these awards will surely support the economic development so closely connected to the tourism sector, promote further visitation, and encourage cross-commonwealth excursions." 

A complete list of grant recipients and project details is available here.  

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the Commonwealth’s economy growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to visitma.com.