FRANKFORT, Ky., Sept. 28 –When visitors look through the 2005 edition of Kentucky’s Great Getaway Guide, searching for just the right attraction or place to stay, they probably won’t realize they’re holding tangible evidence of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s commitment to maintaining quality while reducing costs.  But that’s what the Department of Tourism has accomplished in its first year under Commissioner Randy Fiveash. 

                The magazine will be bigger than ever (152 pages, 16 more than the 2004 edition) and there will be more of them (an increase of 150,000).  Yet Fiveash’s creative financial staff has cut an estimated $258,000 in printing and distribution costs, mostly by keeping the project in Kentucky instead of outsourcing it to Florida.

“In the past, producing the Getaway Guide resulted in more than $500,000 dollars leaving the Commonwealth of Kentucky annually,” Commissioner Fiveash said.  “Our Getaway Guide was printed by a Florida-based printing company.  They not only had all the rights to sell the advertising, but to keep all the revenue.  We are now using a Kentucky-based printer, Gateway Press and working in partnership with the Kentucky Tourism Council (KTC) to sell ads and the money spent is staying within our state lines.”  

The economic impact of Kentucky’s tourism industry hit $9.3 billion in 2003, contributing more than $906 million in state and local taxes.  Tourism ranks as Kentucky’s third largest industry and second largest employer. 

                As always, the magazine-style book, which was produced and designed within the Department of Tourism, will include information about Kentucky attractions and accommodations.  The publication is arranged in four color-coded geographic sections for easy use in locating things like “must sees,” or unique destinations whether you’re in eastern, western, north central or south central Kentucky.  The guide also offers ideas for themed getaways such as “Horses,” “Agritourism” and “Scenic Byways.”

“The listings are now in alphabetical order by city,” said Kathy Yount, Creative Services Manager for KDT.  “In addition to change in format, it’s become more user-friendly by the addition of in-depth State Park information. The once stand alone Parks Directory is now a part of the guide.  Many of these changes were in response to consumer requests,” Kathy Yount, Creative Services Manager for KDT stated. 

You may request a Great Getaway Guide online at www.kentuckytourism.com; by calling 800-225-TRIP (8747); or by mailing the KDT, Capital Plaza Tower, 22^nd Floor, 500 Mero St., Frankfort, KY 40601.