FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — As part of the Rebound Kentucky, LEX 18 is working to bring you in depth stories of the pandemic and resources to help you, your family or business bounce back. Here in the bluegrass, tourism is an $11 billion industry. And while the industry took a hit in 2020, the Kentucky Department of Tourism is preparing for a rebound in 2021.
As our lives continue to change during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky Department of Tourism has helped Kentuckians transform their vacation plans.
"A lot of folks have said, you know, I'm not going on traditional trip this year, but I'm going to go to Paducah because I've heard so much about it but I've never been there," commissioner Mike Mangeot said.
To highlight places across the Bluegrass, the 2021 visitor's guide features new attractions, traveling tips, food, arts, historic sites, and museums.
"We really did want to high light the opportunity to get outside safely and vacation in Kentucky. Obviously, Lake Cumberland Falls on the cover is one we are very proud of," Mangeot said.
The in-state traveling will be on the rise through the spring, the tourism department hopes there will be more out of state visitors in the fall or spring 2022.
"There is so much pent-up demand. Humans are not wired to not travel. We want to go. And as soon as that green light comes down and everything is safe, Kentucky is in great position to capture the travel dollars and help bring back the economy quicker that other places in the country," Mangeot said.