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Experience Prince George’s reports flatting FY26 grant; agency highlights tourism work, WorldPride outreach and funding squeeze
Summary
Experience Prince George’s, the county’s destination marketing organization, told the PHED committee it expects about $1.66 million in FY26 funding, noted a decline in state support, highlighted WorldPride-related outreach and said the county grant represents over 90% of its budget.
Experience Prince George’s, the county’s destination marketing organization, presented its FY2026 request to the PHED committee on April 17 and described promotional activity, event partnerships and funding pressures.
David Noto, providing the budget overview, said Experience Prince George’s budget for FY26 is about $1.66 million, a small decrease from FY25. He told the committee that county funding represents more than 90% of the agency’s budget and that prospective reductions at the state tourism board could further squeeze grant support.
President and CEO (board) representative Graves and board members described marketing work the agency runs on limited funds: a printed visitor guide (20,000–25,000 copies per cycle), media buys outside the county to attract day and overnight visitors, and partnerships to promote major events. The agency noted WorldPride events in the Washington region for 2025 and said it is coordinating with Capital Pride and local businesses to route visitors to county hotels and attractions.
Experience Prince George’s also outlined sales activity (convention and sports bookings), a cooperative Mid‑Atlantic marketing initiative with neighboring destination organizations and legislative advocacy work undertaken on behalf of the tourism sector. Board members attending the meeting said private-sector partners such as Tanger Outlets view the county DMO as essential to maintaining visitor flows and supporting local retail and hospitality.
Committee members thanked the agency and asked about event pipelines, international visitation pressures and opportunities linked to county trails and outdoor recreation. Experience Prince George’s said it will continue to seek state grant funds where available and to prioritize promotions that deliver room nights and visitor spending for county businesses.
No committee votes were taken during the presentation.
