From Governor Beshears' Office
Gov. Beshear joined the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and members of the General Assembly to announce that 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties will receive a total of $5.3 million in funding.
“Today, we are celebrating another investment into the future of Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “Tourism brings more than 67 million people to our state each year, and that number is set to grow even more. Whether it’s spending the afternoon fishing on a Western Kentucky lake, taking in the scenic views of Natural Bridge and the amazing moonbow at Cumberland Falls, or getting a taste of our world-famous bourbon and the fastest two minutes in sports, you’re going to find special things to see and do here in the commonwealth.”
The Beshear administration has been committed to ensuring the tourism industry is positioned to thrive in a post-pandemic economy. In December, the Governor reinforced his commitment to the industry by dedicating more than $5.3 million in federal funding to promote travel, tourism and outdoor recreation in the commonwealth.
The Governor announced that more than $4.6 million will be directly awarded to tourism and destination marketing organizations. Tourism partners from the following organizations joined the Governor in Frankfort to celebrate the administration’s latest investment in the tourism industry.
“The Governor and the administration is helping support tourism recovery from the pandemic,” said Cleo Battle, president and CEO, Louisville Tourism. “This funding will allow us to market and advertise and bring people back to Louisville.”
An additional $678,624 will be allocated directly to the commonwealth’s nine tourism regions to support regional marketing and promotion. Previously, the Governor dedicated $2.8 million in federal funding to support the creation of regional marketing campaigns.
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry applauded the Governor for his commitment to fostering economic recovery and growth of the tourism industry.
“Gov. Beshear has kept his commitment to Kentucky and continues to make investments that foster economic growth in every community in the commonwealth,” said Secretary Berry. “I applaud the Governor for understanding the economic impact that tourism brings to Kentucky and his willingness to ensure tourism remains an economic engine in the future.”
Members of the General Assembly and local tourism leaders recognize the significant impact this funding will have on tourism in communities throughout the commonwealth.
“Every day we are working to attract business and visitors to Kentucky,” said Rep. Angie Hatton of Whitesburg. “This latest investment in our tourism industry will allow us to showcase communities in my district and bring much needed travel revenue to Eastern Kentucky.”
Funding awards are based on the respective counties’ share of the 2019 Economic Impact Report. For the full list of funding recipients, visit tah.ky.gov.
In southeastern Kentucky also known as Daniel Boone Country several counties will be receiving funds including:
Eastern Highlands South Tourism Region - $75,403
Bell Middlesboro/Pineville/Bell County Tourism - $16,933
Breathitt - Breathitt County Fiscal Court - $5,068
Clay City of Manchester Tourism Commission - $5,490
Harlan - City of Harlan Tourist & Convention Commission - $14,308
Knox - Barbourville Recreation and Tourist Commission - $7,015
Laurel - London/Laurel Co Tourist & Convention Commission - $48,426
Lee County Tourism - $2,214
Powell - Powell County Tourism Commission -$7,662
Rockcastle - Mt Vernon/Rockcastle County Tourist Commission Inc - $8,107
Whitley County - Whitley County Tourism - $8,239
Corbin - City of Corbin Tourist & Convention Commission Inc - $35,063
Wolfe - Wolfe County Tourism Commission -$2,859
For a total of $236,787 in funding
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