The state tourism office is offering nonprofits and small businesses the chance to step up their marketing game.
The new Destination Development Program from the Delaware Tourism Office is an incubator program for three tourism-related businesses or nonprofits, one from each county. They’ll gain business development resources and learn from national tourism marketing experts.
A workshop program for 15 local tourism professionals will take place over the course of six months starting this spring.
State tourism director Liz Keller says the programs are geared toward small businesses and nonprofits, which she calls the “backbone” of the state’s tourism economy.
“Our hope is those that are applying for the program, that for them this is a transformative experience, and it’s an investment to get the expertise so that they can grow beyond this program,” she said.
Eligible operations range from historical sites to breweries to chambers of commerce.
“So many of our businesses in tourism are one-man … organizations that have to do everything,” Keller said. “When you’re doing everything, sometimes this other side, this marketing side, this way to reach new customers and get them in the door, sometimes that falls to the wayside. … Here’s where we can help.”
Applications for the incubator and workshop programs are due March 15. Participation is free.
