An extensive marketing plan promotes "Historic Harrodsburg" as Kentucky's First Settlement and entices travelers to visit the variety of tourism opportunities offered.  Due to the Commission's marketing efforts for nearly thirty years, the tourist attractions of Mercer County are well known throughout the state and national tourism industry.

A variety of activities and promotional efforts are carried out by the Commission in order to stimulate the tourism market on a local, regional, state and national level.  The Commission interfaces with the tourism industry through professional affiliations, consumer travel shows, group motorcoach marketplaces, direct mail, Internet and personal contact.

In addition to encouraging visitors to the area, the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission works to fulfill customer needs and enhance their satisfaction with the community's tourism products and services.  Through cooperative efforts with city and county governments, trade and civic organizations, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and area attractions, the Commission works to increase the appeal of Harrodsburg and Mercer County to tourists.

Our overall goal is to ensure a positive visitor experience by providing detailed information and excellent customer service.

A Transient Room Tax levied on lodging rooms in the city and county and a Restaurant Tax levied on dining establishments in the City of Harrodsburg funds the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission.

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Tourism Expenditures 

New statewide tourism statistics released in July of 2007 by the Kentucky Department of Tourism indicated that tourism expenditures in the state, for the year 2006, were $10.1 billon and created over 176,900 tourism-related jobs.  Expenditures statewide were up 6.6% from 2005. 

According to the report, tourism in Mercer County increased 4.1% in 2006 and added $28 million to the local economy.

In Kentucky's Bluegrass Region, which includes Mercer County, the expenditures for 2006 were $2.1 billion.

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STAFF OF HARRODSBURG/MERCER COUNTY TOURIST COMMISSION

 Karen P. Hackett
Executive Director 

Carolyn Crump
Executive Assistant 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS