Kentucky has awarded $2 million to 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program, supporting local efforts to attract visitors and boost regional economies.

The funding, announced by Gov. Andy Beshear as part of his New Kentucky Home initiative, provides financial assistance to nonprofit tourism organizations for marketing efforts. The program helps tourism organizations by providing marketing resources needed to showcase the commonwealth's unique experiences and rich heritage, according to Beshear.

The matching funds enable local organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies that attract travelers and showcase the cultural, historical and natural attractions of their regions. In 2023, Kentucky's tourism industry generated $13.8 billion in economic impact and supported 95,222 jobs, making the sector essential to the commonwealth's economic success.

"In addition to the statewide impact, tourism significantly influences communities across the commonwealth, many of them rural," said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. "We are thrilled to support our local tourism organizations in doing what they do best: promoting their communities and all they have to offer."

From fiscal year 2022-2024, the program distributed $5.5 million to tourism entities throughout the state. Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot noted that the program empowers local organizations to amplify their storytelling, draw more travelers and boost economies across the commonwealth.

Tourism officials say increased visitation directly supports small business owners, restaurant entrepreneurs and other community-building enterprises. Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sherry Murphy said the program helps entice more visitors and increases local economic impact from tourists.