Eleven non-profit organizations throughout Essex County will receive grant funds as part of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (NBCVB) Tourism Grant Program. Just over $30,000 will be awarded. Since 1994, the NBCVB has given nearly $1 million to local non-profit organizations as a way to promote the region as a travel destination.

Among the award recipients are Chambers of Commerce from Cape Ann, Marblehead, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Salem as well as the Topsfield Fair, Maritime Gloucester (formerly the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center), the Ipswich Visitors Center, Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, and Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester. Each organization is receiving funds to assist in the printing of promotional materials to help encourage visitors to choose the North of Boston region as their next vacation.

The Grant Awards will be presented during the Breakfast Program at the NBCVB’s 6th Annual Tourism Summit on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Boston Marriott Peabody. The Tourism Summit is a day-long event with concurrent sessions and keynote speakers which discusses current trends in travel and tourism and advice on how to stretch your marketing dollars. This year, Chip Tuttle of Suffolk Downs will be speaking during the Lunch Program about the recently passed Casino Bill and what kind of effect it may have on the North of Boston community.

Any business within Essex County that is impacted by tourism is welcome to attend this event. Admission for NBCVB members is $60; Nonmember admission is $70. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.northofbostoncvb.org/conference.