Release Date: January 27,2025
Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces 2025 Destination Development Grant Recipients
AKRON, OH (Jan. 27, 2025) – The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Destination Development Grant Program. This year a total of $100,000 was awarded to 35 Summit County organizations, businesses and events within the hospitality ecosystem.
The program is designed to assist qualifying tourism entities with efforts to enhance and increase tourism in Summit County, including projects that increase the tourism market share and grow the tourism industry. The goals of the program include 1.) Increase overnight stays in Akron/Summit County; 2.) Promote a positive image and increase the visibility of Akron/Summit County attractions; 3.) Increase expenditures by visitors to Akron/Summit County; 4.) Provide programs and activities beneficial to attracting additional tourists.
“We’d like to thank all of this year’s applicants. By investing in our hospitality industry partners, we’re fostering innovation and contributing to the continued growth and vitality of our visitor economy,” said Gregg Mervis, president and CEO of the ASCVB. “We were pleased with the strong interest in the Destination Development Grant, so determining this year’s recipients required an especially close review of each application for adherence to the program criteria.”
2025 grantees include: Akron Art Museum, Akron Children’s Museum, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron History Center, Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, Akron RubberDucks, Akron Zoo, Akron-Canton Airport, ART x LOVE, ArtsNow, Better Kenmore CDC, Cascade Locks Park Association, City of Green, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Curated Storefront, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Discover Bath Barns Committee, DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, Friends of Historic Glendale Cemetery, Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Inspire Aviation, Kaulig Companies Championship, Magic Pedal Company, Main Street Barberton, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Rubber City Tattoo LLC, Summit Artspace, Summit Metro Parks, Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH, The Well CDC, The 1 Food & Spirits (BLU-Tique Hotel), Towpath Tennis Center, and Velvet Vintage Boutique.
Along with meeting program goals, to be eligible to receive grant funding projects must meet certain criteria and fall within eligible activities. These activities include tourism marketing, tourism property and building improvements, and sponsorship of an exhibit or event.
For additional information about the Destination Development Grant Program, please contact Stephanie Berry, VP of Marketing and Brand Management at sberry@visitakron-summit.org.
About the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB), established in 1973, is the official destination marketing organization for Summit County, Ohio. Dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination, the ASCVB works collaboratively with industry partners, stakeholders, and the community to showcase Summit County's natural beauty, cultural attractions, and unique experiences.