FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear and Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry recently announced VaxandVisitKy, the commonwealth’s latest effort to encourage Kentuckians to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
“These shots of hope continue to be the best way for us to save lives, ensure continued economic resurgence and keep our schools open for in-person learning,” said Gov. Beshear. “The tourism industry is once again doing its part to help protect Kentuckians and ensure local communities continue to see the economic benefits the industry offers Kentucky.”
Tourism Vaccine Incentives
As part of the ongoing effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Kentucky will offer in-state travel incentives at Kentucky State Parks for Kentuckians who have received a COVID-19 vaccination.
“The tourism industry remains committed to being a partner in the commonwealth’s efforts to sprint out of this pandemic,” said Secretary Berry. “Offering vaccine incentives to Kentucky State Parks will not only boost travel revenue in local communities, but also ensure that Kentucky continues to be seen as a safe travel destination post-pandemic.”
Eligible Kentuckians who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can register for a chance to win a safe-cation at any of Kentucky’s 45 state parks. Safe-cations include golf, lodging and campground gift certificates. Gift certificates are limited to one per winner. Blackout dates may apply.
Kentuckians must be 18 years old or older to enter and have received at least their first dose of a Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Winners will be selected beginning Thursday, Sept. 9. The final drawing will take place on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. To learn more, visit tah.ky.gov.
To make a reservation at a Kentucky State Park, visit parks.ky.gov. To make an appointment to receive your COVID-19 vaccine today, visit vaccine.ky.gov.
2020 Kentucky Tourism Economic Impact
Kentucky tourism serves as a major economic engine in Kentucky. The commonwealth has been recognized as a national leader for its efforts to protect the health and safety of Kentuckians.
The commonwealth released the 2020 Kentucky Tourism Economic Impact Report, outlining visitation and travel trends throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite COVID-19, visitor trips to the commonwealth reached 67.8 million in 2020, with visitor spending totaling $5.9 billion. The overall economic impact of the tourism industry in Kentucky for 2020 was $8.9 billion, supporting 75,655 jobs across the commonwealth.
Investment in Kentucky Tourism and Arts
The commonwealth remains committed to investing in Kentucky tourism as part of a bipartisan effort to ensure local communities benefit from the economic impact of the tourism industry. In May, the Governor announced that Kentucky received nearly $3.6 million in federal funding to support economic growth and the recovery of the state’s tourism and arts industries. Prior to this investment, the commonwealth committed $5 million in federal CARES Act funding to Kentucky tourism to prime the industry for growth through the development of new marketing efforts.
For the latest Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet updates, follow the cabinet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.