New Comprehensive Funding Programs to Bolster Local Tourism Economy Approved

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—The Marion County Board of County Commissioners announced the approval of five new or enhanced funding programs designed to strategically support and grow the vibrant tourism industry within Ocala/Marion County. These opportunities, to be administered by the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB), aim to empower local businesses, organizations, and events to attract more visitors and further stimulate economic development across the destination.

The newly approved comprehensive funding initiatives offer resources tailored to various facets of the tourism sector and are as follows:

• Meeting Rewards Program: This booking incentive program offers up to $2,500 to organizations that book a meeting at an Ocala/Marion County facility or venue through the Ocala/Marion County VCB. Program Details Here.
  
  
• Event Bid Fee / Rights Fee Policy: The Ocala/Marion County VCB accepts, reviews, and processes bid fees/rights fees on behalf of the Tourist Development Council, under authorization by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, facilitating the attraction of large, premier events. Program Details Here.
  
  
• Room Night Generating Events: This program is specifically for events occurring in Ocala/Marion County that attract visitors who stay in paid overnight accommodations subject to Tourist Development Tax. Funding is provided as a reimbursement in direct correlation with verified room nights generated and approved eligible expenses per program guidelines. Program Details Here.
  
  
• The Arts and Cultural Destination Enhancement Funding Program: This multi-faceted program aims to enhance the tourism product within Ocala/Marion County by aiding in the programming and promotions of arts, cultural, history, heritage, and nature experiences that primarily attract tourists. Submission and approval of a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required before submitting a proposal. Program Details Here.
  
  
• Marketing Assistance Funding Program: This program is designed to enable tourism-related businesses in Marion County to enhance their marketing opportunities, leveraging the Ocala/Marion County destination brand. All prospective applicants must attend a required workshop before applying—workshop schedule provided below. Program Details Here.

To ensure applicants are well-equipped to maximize the benefits of the Marketing Assistance Funding Program, attendance at ONE of the workshops is required for all interested parties. These workshops will provide essential guidance on program requirements, application processes, and strategies for leveraging the funding effectively.

Workshop Sign-Up Link and Dates: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarketingAssistanceFundingProgram

• July 7, 2025, 10 – 11:30 AM
• July 16, 2025, 1 – 2:30 PM
• July 22, 2025, 1 – 2:30 PM

The Ocala/Marion County VCB is dedicated to promoting Marion County as a leading tourism destination. These new programs are a testament of the collaborative effort to enhance the visitor experience and support the local economy.

Potential applicants can reach out to the Ocala/Marion County VCB team for additional details at 352-438-2800. Please email marketing@marionfl.org for questions related to the Marketing Assistance Funding Program and Arts and Cultural Destination Enhancement Funding Program. Please email sales@marionfl.org for questions related to the Meeting Rewards Program, Event Bid Fee / Rights Fee Policy, and Room Night Generating Events.

For more information on these new funding programs and application procedures, interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to visit https://www.ocalamarion.com/partners/submit-funding-request/.

About: Internationally renowned among equestrians, cyclists, geologists, and even the world of classic cinematography, Ocala/Marion County still feels like a hidden gem to those who aren’t already insiders. And yet, when you’re here, you’re never an outsider. The relaxed, genuine friendliness of the county’s communities makes you feel welcome wherever you go. From its otherworldly natural springs to the compounds of World Equestrian Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training to its vibrant restaurants, quaint shops, dynamic arts and culture, and historic sites, the destination takes you by surprise in the best of ways. For more information about Ocala/Marion County, visit OcalaMarion.com or call toll free 1.888.FL.OCALA.

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About: Internationally renowned among equestrians, cyclists, geologists, and even the world of classic cinematography, Ocala/Marion County still feels like a hidden gem to those who aren’t already insiders. And yet, when you’re here, you’re never an outsider. The relaxed, genuine friendliness of the county’s communities makes you feel welcome wherever you go. From its otherworldly natural springs to the compounds of World Equestrian Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training to its vibrant restaurants, quaint shops, dynamic arts and culture, and historic sites, the destination takes you by surprise in the best of ways. For more information about Ocala/Marion County, visit OcalaMarion.com or call toll free 1.888.FL.OCALA.