Pendleton County
Economic Development
FALMOUTH — Pendleton County reached a significant milestone last Tuesday as the first group of tourism commissioners was sworn in by Judge Executive David Fields.
This development follows the green light given by the Pendleton County Fiscal Court for a 3 percent transient room tax, effective since July 1, levied on fees for overnight accommodations in the county.
The establishment of a seven-member tourism commission, in compliance with Kentucky Revised Statues, marks a pivotal stride toward elevating tourism in the area.
Comprised of representatives from lodging, dining, Chamber of Commerce, and the community, the commission is set to enhance Pendleton County’s appeal to leisure, group, and business travelers, according to Tami Vater, county Economic and Tourism director.
The commission is not only vested with the management of generated revenues but is also charged with devising an extensive marketing and promotional strategy to expand their footprint within the region and neighboring states connected to Kentucky.
Operating as a nonprofit governmental body, the commission is dedicated to judiciously handling the transient room tax proceeds to bolster sustainable tourism growth in Pendleton County.
With a core objective of fostering economic growth through strategic tourism initiatives, the group will endeavor to position Pendleton County as a coveted destination for visitors in search of a serene escape from urban life, Vater said.
By spotlighting the county’s natural splendor, events, and hospitality offerings through diverse marketing channels, the commission aims to draw in overnight guests to the area’s accommodations and recreational facilities.
Boasting close to 30 extended stay residences and two campgrounds, Pendleton County presents a varied selection of overnight stay options.
Strategically located between Lexington and Cincinnati, the county is optimally positioned to captivate travelers seeking an unforgettable getaway, Vater said.
Annual events like the Kentucky Wool Festival and the newly introduced Balloons and Tunes festival further fortify Pendleton County’s allure to visitors, she said.
“These events not only showcase the area’s rich culture and heritage but also lure in overnight guests, bolstering the local economy,” she said.
Vater expressed her enthusiasm for the county’s potential to emerge as a regional tourism hub.
She said she envisions a positive growth ahead and increase tourism activity for Pendleton County. She also underscored the impact on local extended stay establishments, particularly in the western precincts of the county, triggered by tourist footfall to the Ark Encounter in nearby Willamstown.
The Pendleton County Tourism Commission will be developing a strategic initiative to propel economic growth through targeted tourism promotions geared towards establishing Pendleton County as a regional destination for individuals in quest of a tranquil respite from metropolitan bustle, Vater said.
Emphasizing the county’s natural grandeur, events and hospitality amenities, the commission aims to entice overnight visitors to the area’s extended stay homes and recreational enclaves, she said.
For more information about Pendleton County’s Tourism program, call 859-654-4567, email tourism@pendletoncountyky.gov, website pendletoncountytourism.com, or find them on social media Facebook Pendleton County Tourism and Instagram Pendletontourism.com.