The Haines Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) recently secured $190,000 through the state’s $10 million COVID-Safe Travel Promotion and Marketing Grant Program.
Grant funds must be used to publicize the resumption of tourism activities and pandemic mitigation measures. Award amounts, announced on June 1, range from $31,000 for Discovery Kodiak to $2 million for the Alaska Travel Industry Association.
HEDC program manager Lee Hart said the organization is working closely with Whitehorse-based advertising agency Aasman Brand Communications to come up with a spending plan for the funds, as well as partnering with the Haines Borough tourism department.
“This grant will allow us to double down on the tourism department’s core messaging. Haines is not only open for business and covid-safe, but one of the most unique destinations in Alaska to experience breathtaking outdoor adventures and an authentic and vibrant local arts, food and cultural scene,” Hart said.
Grant money must be spent by mid-August. HEDC director Sally Andersen said given the short time frame, the organization will focus on “online marketing and digital publications targeting both in-state and out-of-state visitors.” Additional funds could go toward purchase of digital work by local photographers and videographers to support the online marketing.
In the state’s original press release announcing the awards, HEDC’s grant was listed as $83,000. On June 7, Andersen said she received word that the funding had been increased to $190,000. The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, which administered the program, didn’t respond to a question about the change in funding by press time.