More than $500,000 in relief will be awarded to 13 Macon-Bibb travel and tourism businesses and organizations as part of ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. The American Rescue Funds Act funds will support projects that promote hotel, attraction and event recovery in the area. 

Travel and tourism-focused businesses in Macon-Bibb County were encouraged to submit a grant application by the March 31, 2022 deadline for the first round of funding. Applications were reviewed by a committee of local community foundation and tourism leaders and the following organizations and companies were selected to receive funding:

NewTown Macon                                                                  Macon Area Tennis Association

Bragg Jam                                                                               Macon Film Festival

Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association                       Rock Candy Tours

Museum of Arts & Sciences                                                  Nutcracker of Middle Georgia

Macon Centreplex Coliseum                                                The Big House Foundation

Macon-Bibb County Parks & Recreation                             The 567 Center for Renewal

Macon, GA International Cherry Blossom Foundation

“We are excited that the first group of grant recipients will soon receive the aid they need to continue their work and grow our local travel and tourism industry,” said Visit Macon President and CEO Gary Wheat.

“The effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, but this funding will go a long way in supporting many of the local businesses and organizations that make up our travel and tourism industry and support Macon-Bibb’s healthy, growing economy.” 

The federal funding will support innovative thinkers and business people who are developing new and interesting ways to showcase the places, people and events that make Macon-Bibb special.