| Southern and Eastern
Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA) is a nonprofit
organization created in 1987 to promote, expand, develop and market
the existing and potential tourism industry throughout Southern and
Eastern Kentucky in an effort to contribute to the economic and
cultural growth of the region.
The
Company’s Coming Initiative
In September of 2000, Congressman Hal
Rogers formed a partnership with Kentucky’s Secretary of Tourism,
Ann Latta. Together they unveiled the ‘Company’s Coming’ tourism
development initiative for Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
‘Company’s Coming’ programs utilize tourism promotion and
development as the catalyst to bolster local economies.
Company’s Coming outlines eight
distinct programs that are designed to lead the tourism industry of
Southern and Eastern Kentucky to a brighter future!
SEKTDA’s purpose is to implement
the programs of the Company’s Coming initiative. These programs are:
- Create a national marketing
program focusing on the themes of history, culture, and outdoor
recreation
- Develop and market niche products
- Use Corridor Teams to work on
product development and facility improvements
- Increase regional tourism staffing
- Seek national designations
- Support projects of regional
importance
- Sponsor financial, technical and
continuing education assistance
- Develop a regional Hospitality
Training program
SEKTDA provides technical assistance
and coordination of regional project development efforts and facility
improvements through eight tourism promotional development groups
called Corridor teams. These teams consist of representatives from
counties, cities, tourism organizations, historical societies and
local businesses.
SEKTDA’s Corridor Teams:
SEKTDA has established nine multi-county travel Corridors
in the 46 counties and the city of Berea in Southern and Eastern
Kentucky. For each Corridor, teams of volunteers meet to discuss
strategies and to implement projects that promote tourism and economic
development throughout each Corridor.
These teams consist of
representatives from counties, cities, tourism organizations,
historical societies and local businesses. There are now more than 300
volunteers who meet on a monthly basis as members of the Corridor
Teams.
Each corridor team has developed a
work plan for their sub-region that identifies needs and goals related
to tourism development. SEKTDA’s Community Development Fund provides
the financial support needed to implement approved projects from the
corridor work plans.
Corridors
Heartland Waterways: Adair,
Cumberland, Green, Metcalfe, Monroe & Taylor
The Heritage Landmarks: Boyle, Casey,
Garrard, Jessamine & Lincoln
The Cumberlands: Clinton, McCreary,
Pulaski, Russell & Wayne
Southern I-75: Jackson, Laurel,
Rockcastle, Whitley & city of Berea
Mountain Parkway Trails: Estill, Owsley,
Lee, Powell, Magoffin & Wolfe
Kentucky’s Elk Country: Breathitt,
Clay, Knott, Leslie, Letcher & Perry
First Frontier: Bell, Harlan & Knox
Country Music Highway: Boyd, Floyd,
Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin & Pike
Mountain Lake: Bath, Menifee, Morgan
& Rowan
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