Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that $685,000 was approved by the House of Representatives for continued support of TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY). Through this funding, TOUR SEKY will sustain critical tourism-based economic development, training, and promotion. The Senate is expected to vote on this final, comprehensive spending legislation later this year.
“Breathtaking views, natural physical wonders and a rich cultural heritage can be found right in our backyard and TOUR SEKY is leading the way toward maximizing our full potential,” said Rogers. “Tourism, whether it is from a neighboring county or from another part of the country, is essential to building our local economy and providing jobs right here in our local communities. TOUR SEKY’s efforts have not only trained entrepreneurs, modernized signage, and promoted our region, this organization has effectively built up local tourism coalitions and cast a vision to kept visitors coming back to Appalachia.”
Since its inception, Rogers has secured nearly $14 million for TOUR SEKY. Last year alone, the tourism and travel industry contributed over $1.4 billion to the region, supporting 20,000 jobs. Statewide, there is a $10.1 billion annual impact from tourism.
TOUR SEKY is a nonprofit organization initiated in 1987 and originally entitled the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA). TOUR SEKY promotes and coordinates tourism efforts throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky to spur economic and cultural growth of the region. Through its 47-county service area, TOUR SEKY will utilize these funds to train small business operators, community leaders, and entrepreneurs in hospitality, marketing, customer retention, and business plan development.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.
“Breathtaking views, natural physical wonders and a rich cultural heritage can be found right in our backyard and TOUR SEKY is leading the way toward maximizing our full potential,” said Rogers. “Tourism, whether it is from a neighboring county or from another part of the country, is essential to building our local economy and providing jobs right here in our local communities. TOUR SEKY’s efforts have not only trained entrepreneurs, modernized signage, and promoted our region, this organization has effectively built up local tourism coalitions and cast a vision to kept visitors coming back to Appalachia.”
Since its inception, Rogers has secured nearly $14 million for TOUR SEKY. Last year alone, the tourism and travel industry contributed over $1.4 billion to the region, supporting 20,000 jobs. Statewide, there is a $10.1 billion annual impact from tourism.
TOUR SEKY is a nonprofit organization initiated in 1987 and originally entitled the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA). TOUR SEKY promotes and coordinates tourism efforts throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky to spur economic and cultural growth of the region. Through its 47-county service area, TOUR SEKY will utilize these funds to train small business operators, community leaders, and entrepreneurs in hospitality, marketing, customer retention, and business plan development.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.