Bowling Green, Ky. – May 1, 2015 – The Caves, Lakes and Corvettes tourism region of south central Kentucky’s cave country is joining with the Caveland Marketing Association (CMA) to kick off National Tourism Week, May 2-10, with the launch of a new video showcasing the area’s unique features and attractions.

As part of the 32nd Annual National Tourism Week, where communities across the country celebrate what travel and tourism means for jobs, economic growth and personal well-being, the video launch will kick off the peak tourism season. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel is one of the largest private-sector employers in the country, supporting 15 million jobs and generated more than $927 billion in direct travel-related spending in 2014.

“Regionally, the tourism industry generated more than $365 million in economic impact in 2013,” Sandra Wilson, current president of CMA and Executive Director of Horse Cave/Hart County Tourism, said. “Tourism and hospitality also account for over 9,000 regional jobs, which reflects the importance of these industries to the local economy and the livelihood of our residents.”

The new video features major aspects of the area’s tourism draws, including Mammoth Cave, the Corvette experience, water fun on Barren River and Nolin Lakes, more outdoor and recreational opportunities, shopping, dining and entertainment options, plus off the beaten path adventures. The video will be played at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center and used by various regional tourism entities to enhance their web presence and social media engagement.

“Our presence at Mammoth Cave National Park is key to reaching more than half a million visitors traveling from all over the world to experience cave country,” Vicki Fitch, Executive Director of the Bowling Green Area CVB, said. “The national park pumped $43.6 million into the regional economy in 2014 and Mammoth Cave is the second oldest attraction in the U.S., just behind Niagara Falls.”

The video can be viewed on the “Caves Lakes and Corvettes of South Central Kentucky” YouTube channel.

 “Visitors are always looking for things to do in our area,” Wilson said. “This video, created for us by the local company Pivotal Creative Designs, features a taste of the abundance of experiences in our area. We’re privileged to showcase the video at our Traveler Information Center at the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center and to make it available for online viewing.”

Ten counties make up the Caves, Lakes and Corvettes tourism region of south central Kentucky and include Barren, Warren, Edmonson, Allen, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Hart, Simpson and Butler. More information about the region can be found at http://www.caveslakescorvettes.com Detai.ls on the Caveland Marketing Association, made up of tourism entities from Hart, Barren and Edmonson counties, can be found at http://www.mammothcavefun.com

.

###

Contact: Telia Butler, PR Manager, Bowling Green Area CVB; 270-782-0800; telia@visitbgky.com

View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_2iaguW7QQ