The purpose of this grant program is to increase visitation, enhance the visitor experience, and increase overnight stays in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. A percentage of each county's room tax is allocated to a grant program specifically established to support the county’s tourism assets.
GO Laurel Highlands is the administrator of the grant programs, overseeing the documentation process and compliance with guidelines. Grants are subject to audit each year. Grants are disbursed at the direction of the grant committee designated by each county.
Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program Information
In 2000 (PA Act No. 142 of 2000), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted legislation that enabled counties to implement a hotel (lodging) occupancy tax. The purpose of the tax was to provide operating/marketing dollars to DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) to promote tourism. The current 5% tax in the region is collected by the lodging property (hotel, motel, inn, resort, B & B, short-term rental, guesthouse, vacation rental, hostel, cabins with running water) and remitted to the respective county tax office. By law, 4% is to be retained by the county for administrative purposes.
GO Laurel Highlands is officially designated as the DMO for Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset Counties. It is recognized as a legacy brand in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is highly respected for its leadership in tourism marketing and regional promotion. By law (PA Act No.18 of 2016) GO Laurel Highlands receives a portion of the occupancy tax funds. Through individual county MOUs, the funds are disbursed as follows.
Westmoreland County:
Two-thirds of 3% is allocated to GO Laurel Highlands for marketing, public relations, and operations
One-third of 3% goes to the Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program
2% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
Fayette County:
50% of 3% is allocated to GO Laurel Highlands for marketing, public relations, and operations
50% of 3% goes to the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program
2% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
Somerset County:
30% of the total 5% is allocated to GO Laurel Highlands for marketing, public relations, and operations.
40% of the 5% funds the Somerset County Tourism Grant Program
30% of the 5% is used by the county for its own tourism-related projects
GO Laurel Highlands commissions an independent outside auditing firm to conduct an annual audit, and the final report is provided to each of the county’s commissioners.
