Summer is peak tourism season across Texas, from Gulf Coast beaches and Hill Country resorts to urban attractions in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Tourism-related businesses including hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, tour operators, and retail shops may be eligible for government programs that support seasonal operations, workforce needs, and facility improvements.
Tourism Marketing Programs
Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue
Texas cities collect hotel occupancy taxes that fund tourism promotion, convention facilities, and arts programming. While individual businesses do not receive these funds directly, the marketing and infrastructure investments drive visitor traffic that benefits all tourism-related businesses.
Texas Commission on the Arts
Cultural tourism organizations may access grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts for programming that attracts visitors and generates economic activity. Festivals, exhibitions, and performance events are commonly funded.
GO TEXAN Program
Tourism businesses that showcase Texas-made products or experiences may benefit from the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN program, which provides marketing support and brand recognition.
Workforce Programs
WOTC for Seasonal Hiring
Tourism businesses hiring seasonal workers should screen all new hires for WOTC eligibility. Tax credits of $2,400 to $9,600 per qualifying hire can offset seasonal labor costs.
Workforce Solutions
Texas Workforce Solutions offices provide free recruitment, job posting, and candidate screening services. Coastal and tourism-heavy regions see increased Workforce Solutions activity during summer.
Skills Development Fund
Hospitality employers can partner with community colleges for customized training grants covering customer service, food safety, management, and guest services.
Facility and Equipment Programs
SBA 504 Loans
Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues purchasing or renovating properties can access SBA 504 loans with 10% down and long-term fixed rates. This program is well suited for tourism facility investments.
USDA REAP
Tourism businesses in rural areas (including many Hill Country, coastal, and West Texas destinations) may qualify for REAP grants covering up to 25% of energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements to lodging and hospitality facilities.
Historic Preservation Credits
Hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses occupying historic buildings may qualify for the federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which covers 20% of qualifying rehabilitation costs for listed or eligible historic structures.
Local Tourism Programs
- Convention and Visitors Bureaus: Local CVBs provide marketing support, event listings, and visitor referrals.
- Facade improvement programs: Tourism-oriented communities may fund exterior improvements for businesses in visitor districts.
- Special event permitting: Cities may provide streamlined permitting and fee waivers for tourism-generating events.
Summer Tourism Checklist
- Screen seasonal hires for WOTC: Capture tax credits during peak hiring.
- Contact Workforce Solutions: Free recruitment assistance for seasonal positions.
- Review energy programs: Rural tourism businesses should check REAP eligibility.
- Connect with your CVB: Ensure your business is listed in visitor marketing materials.
- Plan facility improvements: Time renovations for the off-season, fund them now.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Texas tourism businesses may qualify for workforce, facility, and marketing programs. Our screening report matches your business against all applicable programs. Start your free screening →