Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that 94 tourism marketing organizations across 82 counties have received $2 million through Team Kentucky’s Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
“Kentucky Tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that is essential to our economy, our people and our future,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team Kentucky is proud to support our hardworking tourism organizations with the resources they need to attract more people to our New Kentucky Home to visit, work and live.”
The breakdown of funding by region is as follows:
$559,733 – Louisville Lincoln Region
$334,036 – Bluegrass Region
$256,335 – Western Waterland Region
$248,057 – Northern Kentucky Tourism Region
$194,768 – Cave Region
$115,138 – Eastern Highlands South Region
$111,663 – Southern Kentucky Region
$95,151 – Green River Region
$85,119 – Eastern Kentucky North Region
“The Matching Funds Program gives us the resources to do destination marketing the right way; research-based, intentional and tied to real outcomes,” said Alyssa Phares, president and CEO of the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau. “A big part of my job is helping Paducah understand what tourism actually does for the community, both economically and in terms of quality of life. Knowing we have Gov. Beshear’s support behind that work means a lot, not just to our office but to the entire Kentucky tourism industry.”
The Regional and Matching Funds Program, administered by the Department of Tourism, provides local nonprofit tourism organizations with financial assistance for marketing. The matching funds allow organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies, attract travelers and showcase the unique cultural, historical and natural attractions of their regions.
From fiscal year 2022-2025, the program has distributed $7.5 million.
“Our tourism partners are dedicated to showcasing Kentucky’s unique experiences and attractions, and the Matching Funds Program empowers them to do what they do best,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “This investment highlights Team Kentucky’s commitment to supporting our thriving tourism industry and elevating Kentucky as a world-class travel destination.”
“We work closely with attractions and destination marketing organizations statewide to position Kentucky as a must-visit destination,” Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism Mike Mangeot said. “The Matching Funds Program continues to be a valuable resource for our tourism partners and is an excellent way for us to elevate their storytelling and bring in more visitors.”