Governor Fletcher's Plan to Dedicate Funding For Tourism and Convention Marketing Initiatives

 Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher has announced today that the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau has signaled their support for the one percent dedicated statewide lodging tax for tourism and convention marketing initiatives. The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau was begun in 1974 and is now the primary body that seeks to enhance Lexington's economy through tourism and convention growth. 

"Governor Fletcher and Secretary Jim Host have proven that they have a vision for moving Kentucky's tourism agenda forward," said David Lord, President of the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau. "These funds dedicated to tourism and convention marketing initiatives will provide a vital boost to the tourism industry in our state and will promote job growth and economic development in Lexington and throughout Kentucky.”

Kentucky's tourism is a $9.1 billion industry and it is currently the state's second largest employer and Kentucky's third largest revenue-producing industry. With the JOBS for Kentucky proposal the dedicated funding mechanism for tourism and convention marketing initiatives will provide for the expansion of jobs and economic development in the Commonwealth. Secretary Host stated, "Tourism has more potential for adding jobs and helping the economy than any other industry we can invent.”

"It is an honor to have the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau's support for the JOBS for Kentucky plan,” stated Governor Ernie Fletcher. "Modernizing Kentucky's antiquated tax code will be essential to providing more good jobs and opportunities for Kentuckians and I am pleased to have the support of this Bureau which represents and promotes Lexington's tourism initiatives.”

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