Department of Tourism
Ky. Adventure Travel Venues to Be Cataloged

OWENSBORO, Ky. -- Kentucky Tourism Commissioner Randy Fiveash has announced an effort to collect and list all adventure travel venues in Kentucky.

The effort is part of the new “Kentucky Unbridled Adventure” campaign that Governor Ernie Fletcher announced yesterday. The campaign will seek to increase Kentucky’s share of the adventure travel market, one of the fastest growing tourism niches in the United States.

“We want to have a complete list of all adventure opportunities Kentucky has to offer so we can market them to the world,” said Fiveash. “When you think about all we have to offer, such as hiking, caving, rock climbing, kayaking, horseback riding, water sports and nature watching, we are in a unique position to draw thrill seekers from all over right here to the Commonwealth.”

Adventure venue operators should log on to www.KYUnbridledAdventure.com, and register their specific location.

Details of the new “Kentucky Unbridled Adventure” were unveiled at the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference in Owensboro. The campaign comes with a new “Unbridled Adventure” logo and plans to increase marketing and promotion of Kentucky’s many outdoor adventure activities. Reaction to the campaign has been extremely positive.

“It’s time we start asking the question, ‘What does Kentucky have to offer?’” said Vicki Kidd, executive director of the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA). “If you think about it, adventure tourism is the thing that unites all areas of Kentucky and makes it a great destination for those in the market.”
 
“Kentucky as a whole has diversity in its landscape that makes it one of the most beautiful and exciting places for visitors,” added Marcia Eblen, Henderson County Tourism Director. “From the mountains in the east, to the wetlands in the west, there’s a whole plethora of opportunities ideal for outdoor adventurists. We’re reaching out to an audience that will thoroughly enjoy every niche we have.”
 
 “Our area is where the Bluegrass meets the mountains, where natural beauty and hiking trails, and adventure travel abounds,” stated Belle Jackson of the Berea Tourism Commission. “We have the Wilderness Road and great trails. We are now telling people and inviting them to bring their adventure here.”

The move to grow the adventure travel market started more than a year ago when Governor Fletcher directed the Kentucky Department of Tourism and the Appalachian Regional Commission to commission a study to determine the economic potential of adventure tourism in eastern Kentucky. That study, released in August, showed increased spending on adventure tourism in eastern Kentucky could bring in 130,000 new visitors a year, create more than 1500 new jobs and have an estimated economic impact of up to $100 million.
           
Adventure venues and enthusiasts in Kentucky are being encouraged to go to www.KYUnbridledAdventure.com  and register to receive additional information. 

Note to Editors: A copy of the “Kentucky Unbridled Adventure” logo is available at www.KYUnbridledAdventure.com”