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TravelMole Interview: Randy Fiveash, commissioner, Kentucky Department of Travel
The US state perhaps best known for bourbon and horses drew 20 million visitors in a recent year, but new Kentucky Department of Travel Commissioner Randy Fiveash intends to race ahead at full speed. He has divided the state into eight regions, and plans meetings with travel officials, including agents, to listen to their concerns. As for travel agents: “I don’t want to say they’ve been a neglected market, but they are a market we’re going to spend more time with. We’re going to let them know that there’s a lot going on in Kentucky and we’ll be telling them about it.” In addition to bourdon and horses, Kentucky has a first-rate park system and is also becoming known for its variety of musical offerings. Some argue bluegrass music had its birthplace in the state. “We also have good access and some very good gateways at the Lexington and the Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati airports,” said Mr Fiveash. It may surprise some, but Kentucky’s travel attractions include caves and even top-notch golf courses. “Kentucky is just a beautiful place to visit. Our natural cave system is unbelievable, and the entire state is connected by many lakes and natural wonders,” Mr Fiveash said. Most of its visitors are drive-in, but Mr Fiveash says the international market is growing, particularly with visitors from the UK, Germany, Mexico and Canada. “The international market is not as lucrative as it used to be, but it’s coming back,” he said. Report by David Wilkening
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