The Heritage Tourism Division provides leadership and management for the City's heritage tourism programs aimed to attract tourists and convention delegates and to derive economic, business, and community benefits associated with honoring and preserving Austin as a place of personal heritage.
Latest City of Austin Relief Efforts:
- Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant: Open February 16 at 10:00 a.m. - March 17, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Helpful Recovery Resources:
- City of Austin's ATXRecovers.com - A one-stop resource to help businesses and individuals recover from the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Austin COVID-19 Information
- Economic Development Department’s Small Business Resources Directory - Database of local, state, federal, and community resources. Filter by “Disaster Relief” to find immediate support for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective
The Heritage Tourism division promotes rich histories of people and places in Austin that also supports the economic vitality of the hospitality industry, as well as the surrounding commercial business districts, small/local business, creative sectors, and current tourism assets in the Austin Region.
Services
Facilitate the development and execution of a forthcoming Citywide Cultural and Heritage Tourism Plan, informed through a public input process; administer Hotel Occupancy Tax funds allocated to the Historical Preservation Fund, which is the primary funding source for the Heritage Grant program, to support thriving establishments host long-term and short-term visitors; and help build capacity of tourism sites.
What is Heritage Tourism?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourists as those who travel to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.
Economic Benefits of Tourism
Tourism creates jobs, new business opportunities, and strengthens local economies. It protects heritage, natural and cultural resources, which improve the quality of life for residents and travelers who participate in the services and attractions.
Heritage Grant Program
The Heritage Grant Program is an historic preservation grant geared towards the promotion of tourism. The call for Heritage Grant applications is currently closed. For more information please visit AustinTexas.gov/Heritage-Grants or email Melissa Alvarado for more information.