The Harlan City Tourism and Convention Commission went over an assortment of routine business during the regular meeting on Tuesday, focusing on the economic impact of tourism on our region.
Tourism Director Brandon Pennington took time to update the panel concerning the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism Economic Impact program.
“The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism released their newest state research,” Pennington said. “They stated the economic impact of tourism in Kentucky amounted to about 13.1 billion dollar in 2014which is a 4.4 percent increase from 2013.”
Pennington said $8.3 billion was from direct expenditures from tourists. The total amount included tax revenue and other sources.
“Locally, our region had an increase…of 2.1 percent,” Pennington said.
Pennington said the Daniel Boone region, which includes Harlan, increased tourism income by $313 million.
“For our city the increase was not monumental, but we did increase in direct expenditures by tourists by $784,” Pennington said. “We may not have made huge gains, but we did increase on tourists dropping money in our area.”
Commission chair Annie Fox pointed out the numbers could have gone down.
“It’s probably the one entity in this county that hasn’t seen a decrease, which is significant,” Fox said.
The panel also discussed ways to further improve tourism income.
“I know in the last couple meetings we’ve discussed going to a different state to try another state’s state fair,” Pennington said. “Texas is by far the biggest state fair, but it is also a monumental cost. The booth spaces are outrageous.”
Pennington said the Colorado State Fair had been brought up as well, but that event also is priced out of range.
“That one runs about $1,200 for booth space, it runs about $16 per square foot,” Pennington said.
According to Pennington, the travel and hotel expenses alone would be approximately $5,000.
Ohio and North Carolina are cheaper alternatives, but traveling to those would still be a sizable expenditure, Pennington said.
“I don’t think we can justify the price to do another state fair right now,” Pennington said. “However, if we want to continue to do the Kentucky State Fair the deadline to apply for booth space is June 19.”
Fox said it is important for Harlan to be represented at the Kentucky State Fair.
A motion was passed authorizing participation in the Kentucky State Fair.
Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-909-4132 or on Twitter @joe_hde
Leave a Reply