Grant benefits businesses impacted by COVID-19

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the tourism, travel and hospitality sector can now apply to receive up to $20,000 in state grant money.

Applications are now being accepted for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant, which will distribute $180 million in funding to businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release from Governor Greg Abbott’s office, businesses in the following industries can apply:

• Arts, entertainment, and recreation

• Food services and drinking places

• Traveler accommodation

• RV parks and recreational camps

• Traveler arrangement and reservation services

• Convention and tradeshow organizers

• Breweries, wineries, distilleries

A release from Abbott’s office said applicants must submit supporting paperwork with their application to show eligibility.

There will also be several webinars detailing the application process.

Details and applications are available at ttir.gov.texas.gov/ Home/Signup.

The Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant was established by Senate Bill 8 and signed into law during the state’s 87th Legislative Session.

“Travel and tourism is a critical component to both the state and local economies,” said Governor Abbott in a press release. “Visitor spending at Texas destinations brings new money into communities and spurs local job creation across industries in every region of the state. After a decade of record expansion where 1 in 10 Texas jobs were supported by tourism, the travel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. While direct travel spending in Texas is recovering at a faster rate than national averages, allocating these grant funds paves the way for a more prosperous, brighter future for all Texas communities.”

Remaining scheduled webinars are as follows:

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Webinar - Thursday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., CT

Traveler Accommodation Webinar - Thursday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., CT

Food Services and Drinking Places Webinar - Thursday, September 1, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., CT