Kentucky Tourism Aggressively Seeks International Travelers
Kentucky opened an international travel office in Japan and has increased its European presence with an expanded London office that also will include marketing efforts in Ireland and Germany. In addition, a Canadian office continues to attract neighbors from the north.

Many other states are increasing their emphasis on international marketing, and with good reason. The U.S. Commerce Department reports that in May 2008, 3.8 million international visitors traveled to the U.S., an increase of eight percent over the same time in 2006. So far this year, international travelers to the United States have spent $47.6 billion, also up eight percent over the same period in 2006. The increase includes a four percent growth in visitors from Canada and a 27 percent increase in travel from Mexico

“It’s all about expanding our marketing efforts,” said Tourism Commissioner Randy Fiveash. “The latest statistics we have show that Kentucky attracts one half of one percent of the international traveling audience. If we can increase that even slightly, that will result in more money coming to the state and more tourism-related jobs being created in Kentucky as a result.

All American Patriots (press release)