Partnership Formed to Boost Kentucky Tourism

Partnership Formed to Boost Kentucky Tourism

SOMERSET, KY -- U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05) is pleased to announce a new partnership between the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA) and the Kentucky Department of Parks that seeks to boost tourism throughout Kentucky. The partnership will add information about Kentucky State Parks to the 511 Tourism Information Call Center, which currently provides information about SEKTDA's 46-county region in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

"Kentucky's State Parks are among the finest in America and I want to do everything possible to let visitors know about all that we have to offer," said Rogers. "We are already fortunate to have nine State Resort Parks and fifteen State Parks in our region so it is a natural fit for SEKTDA and the Department of Parks to form this alliance."
Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Parks, George Ward said, "We are pleased that Congressman Rogers has expanded the marketing reach of our State Parks through the 511 call center. We look forward to a strong, mutually beneficial partnership with SEKTDA."

Additionally, Ward has requested SEKTDA to provide customer service training to all of the state parks through the Shining STAR (Service, Training, Achievement, and Recognition) Hospitality Program.

Shelia Seppi, Executive Director of SEKTDA, exclaimed, "SEKTDA is excited about this partnership. When the caller dials 511 they can now obtain information about all of Kentucky's State Parks." She further expressed, "SEKTDA looks forward to assisting the State Parks to broaden their marketing efforts and capture tourist dollars."

Rogers has used his position as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee to direct $10 million in federal funding over the last three years to operate the 511 Tourism Call Center.

http://www.house.gov/rogers/March2005/boostkentuckytourism.html