Lodging partners meet with Tourism Commission

Photo by Eugenia Jones Members of the McCreary County Tourism Commission met informally with owners of local vacation rental accommodations. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Commission to learn about the concerns and needs of the local lodging industry.

By Eugenia Jones
eugenia@highland.net

Immediately preceding regular business during the July meeting, members of the McCreary County Tourism Commission hosted an informal meeting with their McCreary County lodging partners. The get-together, with refreshments served, provided the opportunity for Tourism Commission members to gather information about the concerns and needs of those who operate motels, cabins, and other types of vacation rentals in McCreary County. The meeting also gave lodging partners and Tourism Commission members the opportunity to meet and share advice with each other. The meeting covered several informative topics of interest including: marketing, transient tax information, availability of new McCreary County brochures, etc. As a result of the meeting, the Tourism Commission plans to work on a book of McCreary County attractions/businesses. The books will be placed in all of McCreary County’s lodging accommodations to help tourists make the most of their stay in McCreary County. McCreary County Tourism plans to host meetings for lodging partners on a quarterly basis and will follow up in the meetings by providing speakers and additional resources to address the needs and concerns expressed by local lodging partners. Six individuals representing local vacation rentals attended the initial meeting in July.
A three percent transient tax is attached to all vacation rental fees. The transient tax is collected for use by local Tourism Commissions and is the primary source of funding for the promotion of tourism in McCreary County.
After meeting with lodging partners, the McCreary County Tourism Commission conducted regular business. Items discussed and/or acted upon during the meeting included:
-Transient taxes collected for June totaled $1662.65.
-Final plans are being made for the McCreary County exhibit at this year’s State Fair in Louisville.
-Bobby Strunk proposed a Big South Fork Paddle Battle featuring a canoe/kayak race from Blue Heron to Yamacraw. Tourism Director Michelle Perry said she received favorable feedback from the National Park Service about the “do-ability” of this future event.
-Beautification project for Jackson Park (green park space next to Tourism office on Geary Street) is proceeding.
-Accepted resignation of Eric Vanselow from the Tourism Board. The Tourism Commission and Fiscal Court will now need to fill the vacancy created by Vanselow’s resignation. The vacancy must be filled by an individual representing local lodging (vacation rentals-motels/cabins/etc.) Anyone interested in being considered as a lodging representative on the McCreary County Tourism Commission should contact Michelle Perry at the Tourism Office.)
The McCreary County Tourism Commission meets in regular session on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the McCreary County Tourism Office on Geary Street in Whitley City.