Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
National Travel and Tourism Week Celebrated in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Several Kentucky attractions will be calling attention to National Travel and Tourism Week May 8-16 with special offers and programs.

Tourism has an annual economic impact of more than $11 billion in Kentucky and is one of the major employers in the state.

“Tourism is a major economic factor in communities across the Commonwealth,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. “We have outstanding public and private tourism attractions that make Kentucky a popular place to visit.”

Communities across Kentucky will be celebrating the week with events and ceremonies.

Below is a listing of some of the events planned as part of National Travel and Tourism Week:

-         The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold its 2010 Hometown Tourist kick-off celebration May 7 at 11:30 a.m. the city’s Visitor Center that will feature special discount ticket offers. Residents are encouraged to visit attractions in the area with their families just as if they were tourists in another city. Local attractions, restaurants, bed and breakfast operations and hotels are participating with 2-for-1 discounts and special offers from May 8 to 31. For a complete list of participants visit, or for more information about these events visit www.gotolouisville.com/hometowntourist.

-         Several Kentucky State Parks will have special offers during Travel and Tourism Week. Visitors to Jefferson Davis State Historic Site at Fairview during the week will receive a buy one, get one free admission pass for the museum. Visitors to Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site at Wickliffe will also receive a buy one, get one free admission pass for the museum. Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park near Mount Olivet is offering two-for-one mini-golf and a free admission to Pioneer Museum with each admission purchased during the week. More information about these and other state parks is available at www.parks.ky.gov

-         The state’s eight welcome centers will be offering special programs, entertainment, displays and information about local tourist attractions during the week. The welcome centers are located along major highways in Grayson, Bullitt County, Christian County, Florence, Franklin, Shelby County, Whitehaven and Williamsburg. Local residents as well as visitors are invited to drop by the Welcome Centers and learn more about events happen throughout Kentucky and enjoy local entertainers.

-         Representatives of the Department of Travel and Tourism will be making stops in communities across the state May 10-14 to promote the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Sept. 25-Oct. 10 as well as The Kentucky Experience.  More information about the games and tourism in Kentucky is available at www.kentuckytourism.com.

###