MONTPELIER — The Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau has been awarded $62,157 in state tourism marketing funds, part of a record $10.8 million distributed by the Idaho Travel Council through its annual grant program.
The funding, announced last week during a meeting in Hailey, will support the Bear Lake region’s ongoing efforts to attract visitors through promotional campaigns and tourism development.
Statewide, the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit tourism organizations including chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The money can be used for advertising, video production, brochures, websites, research and trade show attendance.
“With the largest award in this program’s history, these grant funds will impact communities and businesses across the state,” said Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey in a news release. “Not only will grant dollars help grantees market Idaho as a top travel destination, but also play a key role in promoting tourism and economic development.”
Funding for the program comes from a 2% lodging tax paid by visitors staying in hotels, motels, vacation rentals and private campgrounds. Forty-five percent of the collected tax goes directly to local and regional organizations through the grant program.
For fiscal year 2025, Idaho collected more than $22.9 million in lodging taxes, a 5.27% increase over the previous year.
Bear Lake Valley, known for its turquoise waters, scenic trails and family-friendly recreation, remains a popular destination in Southeast Idaho and Northern Utah. The region regularly draws visitors from Cache Valley and the Wasatch Front, particularly during summer months.