Brownsville opens tourism dollars for projects that drive visitors

The City of Brownsville is accepting applications for Hotel Occupancy Tax funding for fiscal year 2027, opening a new round of tourism-related grant opportunities for local organizations.

The Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Office of Space Commerce announced the application cycle this week, encouraging organizations that promote tourism and attract visitors to apply before the July 6 deadline.

The funding program supports projects designed to strengthen Brownsville’s tourism economy and increase visitor activity that supports local hotels, conventions and hospitality businesses.

Under Texas law, Hotel Occupancy Tax funding must directly enhance tourism and benefit the convention and hotel industry.

Eligible projects must fall within one of nine state-approved spending categories.

Those include convention and visitor center improvements, convention registration support, tourism advertising and promotions, arts initiatives, historic preservation efforts, sports-related tourism expenses, sports facility improvements, tourism transportation systems, and signage directing visitors to attractions frequently visited by hotel guests.

The city said the funding program is part of an ongoing effort to work with community organizations to market Brownsville as a destination.

To help applicants navigate the process, the Convention and Visitors Bureau will host Hotel Occupancy Tax workshops covering eligibility requirements, program guidelines and application best practices.

Workshops are scheduled for May 20 and June 10 at the CMD/CVB Complex at 1312 E. Adams St. in downtown Brownsville.

Each workshop date will include two sessions, one at 9 a.m. and another at 3 p.m.

Organizations can register for workshops and access application materials through the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Applications close July 6.

Apply here.