Published: July 28, 2008 08:19 am      

Mounce: Gas prices biggest tourism obstacle

Local News

Somerset-Pulaski Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Carolyn Mounce believes that the cost of gas — not rumors of a dried up Lake Cumberland — is the biggest obstacle for Pulaski County tourists this summer.

In spite of that, however, tourism is up in the county, and Mounce believes that’s thanks in part to vacationers who want to find fun close to home.

“With advertising from the state and local tourism offices, I believe that we will continue to get the visitors who want to travel within three or four hours of home and be able to have the time of their lives,” Mounce says. “Here in Pulaski County, we can provide exactly that for our visitor.”

Statistics released by the Kentucky Department of Travel this month show that tourism in Pulaski County was up by 7.5 percent in 2007. According to an annual report compiled by the Travel Industry Association, $97,239,428 was added to the county’s economy in that time frame. The figures indicate a 7.2 percent increase in tourism statewide, which added $10.7 billion to the state’s economy.

The report shows that more than 176,600 people are employed statewide in the tourism industry, earning more than $3.46 billion in payroll.

Nearly $7.25 billion was spent directly by domestic travelers in Kentucky in 2007. Combined with indirect spending, the total value of the tourism industry totals $10.72 billion. These amounts generate just over $1 billion in local, state, and federal taxes.

“We know that travel and tourism are an essential part of Kentucky’s economy,” says Mike Cooper, commissioner for the department. “Money spent on tourism throughout the Commonwealth circulates several times into the economy, benefiting Kentucky communities through direct travel and in the service and retail sectors.”

“Attracting tourists to Pulaski County is an ongoing process, and local leaders have worked diligently to expand the number of visitors to the area,” Mounce says. “This report is good news for the area and an indication that our efforts are paying off. ...

“Transient room tax (in Pulaski County) for fiscal year 2007-2008 was only down 1.4 percent from fiscal year 2006-2007,” Mounce notes, adding that she is “very pleased” with that number.

Mounce says the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s past and ongoing relationship with events and locales such as Somernites Cruise, the Master Musician’s Festival, the Mill Springs Battlefield, the Mt. Victory Road Race, the Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen pageants, and Science Hill’s Bike Nite will continue to bring visitors to Pulaski County.

New events are also coming to the area this year.

“We are excited to partner with the Cal Ripken Little League Tournaments and Ohio Valley Babe Ruth Tournaments this year.” Mounce says. “These two events will bring in 25 to 35 teams each, in addition to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, to see these young ball players. They will definitely be a boost to our economy.”

Mounce says the CVB is also committed to sponsoring several events in January 2009 — during what is referred to as the “shoulder season.”

“The (CVB) board has already committed to participate in nine sport, boat, and travel shows in early 2009,” she says. The Lake Cumberland area will be represented either by Mounce, personally, or with brochure distribution at the shows.

“This is, in my opinion, exactly what we as a tourism promoter should be doing,” Mounce adds.

The CVB is taking applications for special funding for events which will be held in October, November, and December of this year. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.

Groups requesting promotional assistance from the CVB should submit applications on a quarterly basis. The CVB board sets money aside in its budget each year for grants and donations which can be given to groups holding events in the area. Events which are eligible for funding should promote tourism and increase overnight visitation. Mounce says the CVB also makes a special effort to help promote events which are not held during the summer months.

Applications can be picked up at the CVB office, 522 Ogden Street, off East Ky. 80 near KMart.