Press Release - Tourism Powers $186 Million Economic Impact and Supports Over 1,200 Jobs in Georgetown and Scott County
Tourism Powers $186 Million Economic Impact and Supports Over 1,200 Jobs in Georgetown and Scott County
GEORGETOWN, KY – Aug 11, 2025 – Tourism today is Big Business. But, it doesn’t seem that long ago that tourism was something of an afterthought – frivolous fun that, while enjoyable for all concerned, couldn’t compete with essential services when it came to allocating dollars.
That began to change in 1974, when local hoteliers in Georgetown and Scott County recognized the power of tourism to drive economic growth. United by a shared vision to collectively market and promote the area, the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission was formed, and a 3% Transient Tax was enacted through an interlocal agreement. A tax that, to this day, fully funds the Commission and lays the foundation for a thriving, collaborative tourism industry that benefits both the community and its visitors.
And what a difference a couple of decades and a couple of hundred million dollars have made when it comes to changing the impression that tourism is all fun and games.
Data released on the 2024 tourism economic impact for Georgetown/Scott County shows a 4% increase over 2023. For those who like complex numbers, that translates into $ 186 million and 1,259 jobs in the tourism sector.
Kentucky’s Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region, of which Scott County is a vital part, saw a total impact of a whopping 2.67 billion dollars.
With this recognition of the tourist industry as a business generating significant return on investment, Georgetown/Scott County Tourism took action when some unexpected revenue became available.
In addition to its regular marketing and advertising budget, the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission (GSCTC) received a boost through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds authorized by Kentucky State Legislators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds enabled GSCTC to launch an ambitious media campaign in May 2024, spotlighting the city’s rich culture, deep-rooted history, and signature southern hospitality.
The campaign—“That’s Georgetown, Kentucky For Ya!”—features vibrant imagery from beloved local attractions, including Old Friends Farm, Elijah Craig’s birthplace, Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, and Bi-Water Farm and Greenhouse. Paired with evocative slogans like “Off the beaten path is our way of life,” the campaign invites potential visitors to explore the community’s unique blend of charm and recreational opportunity.
GSCTC was also able to execute pop-up activations, produce lifestyle-focused video ads, and create a new website and visitor brochure. Most significantly, it allowed GSCTC to expand into high-value marketing territories that would have previously been out of reach, greatly amplifying the reach and impact of Georgetown’s tourism brand.
According to Lori Saunders, executive director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, it has been an investment that has reaped significant dividends.
"We’ve always known that Georgetown has something special, and the numbers prove it," says Lori Saunders, executive director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism. "Tourism is supporting local jobs and generating $38.1 million in labor income and $14.4 State and Local Taxes that benefit our entire community. With a total economic impact of $186 million, it’s clear that tourism plays a vital role in driving growth and strengthening businesses throughout Scott County."
Her office’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by Georgetown/Scott County officials. As Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington explains,
"Georgetown and Scott County have so much to offer and we are blessed with a beautiful community and it’s a great place to live, work and play," says Scott County Judge Executive, Joe Pat Covington. "Tourism plays a key role in that success. It showcases who we are, supports our local economy, and invites others to experience the charm that makes this community thrive."
Echoing this sentiment, City of Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins adds,
"What I love most about tourism is how it brings people together," says City of Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins. "Whether it’s someone discovering our historic downtown for the first time, or a family enjoying a weekend festival, these shared experiences strengthen our community. And while those experiences are priceless, they also have real economic value. Every visit supports our shops, restaurants, and creates local jobs."
As tourism continues to thrive in Georgetown/Scott County, the community embraces the opportunities it brings, not just in economic growth, but in fostering connections, preserving heritage, enhancing quality of life for all residents, and providing memorable experiences for our visitors.
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PHOTOS
Additional photos available.
Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting amid Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest-growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse, and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown has dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery, Blue Run Spirits Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 20 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
Press Release - Georgetown, KY & Tahara City, Japan Commemorate 35 Years of Sister City Friendship
Georgetown, KY & Tahara City, Japan Commemorate 35 Years of Sister City Friendship
GEORGETOWN, KY – Aug 28, 2025 – Having a sister with whom you can share your ideas, hopes and dreams is a very special relationship – whether it’s between siblings or cities.
In 1986, Tom Prather became mayor of Georgetown at the same time that Toyota Motor Company was breaking ground here on its first wholly owned manufacturing plant in America. Prather says that beyond the obvious impact of what has been called “one of the great economic development deals of the last century,” Toyota’s arrival brought many opportunities for Georgetown and the Bluegrass Region.
“I was eager to explore them all,” says Prather, who adds, “especially those in the areas of culture and education.”
A sister city in Japan was one of the first items on the agenda, with the obvious choice being Toyota City, until as he puts it, “we discovered it had already been taken – by Detroit.” Thus, the search was on. Toyota helped identify another city – Tahara, about one hour from Toyota City – as a suitable partner, and helped in arranging Prather’s first trip to Japan to meet with his counterpart, Tahara mayor Masayoshi Yamashita.
It was a meeting of destiny, according to Prather. This year, the two cities will celebrate 35 years of sisterhood. In honor of that special milestone, on September 4th current mayor Burney Jenkins will welcome a delegation from Tahara to Georgetown for the 44th annual Best of the Bluegrass - Festival of the Horse.
While here, Jenkins says they will visit the Toyota plant and Scott County High School, along with tourist attractions Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Horse Park and Ward Hall. The visit will conclude with a farewell dinner at Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, a Japanese-style garden.
Turnabout is fair play, and on September 10th, Jenkins will lead his own delegation composed of city officials and community members to Tahara. While there, they will experience its famous namesake festival with ornate floats and mechanized puppets that dates back to the 17th century during Japan’s Edo period.
To the casual observer, Georgetown and Tahara may not appear to have much in common. Georgetown lies in the center of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, where horses and bourbon rule, while Tahara is a Pacific Ocean port on Honshu Island’s Atsumi Peninsula, and is known for its flowers and melons.
Jenkins, however, knows better, saying the two cities have much in common when it comes to three main areas: the environment, education, and the youth population of both. “These are the areas we identified as being most important and which we could most learn from each other,” he says.
Along on the trip with Jenkins will be a man who says his time in Tahara changed the trajectory of his life. Kelly McEuen will serve as tour operator for the Tahara trip, and considers himself the “keeper of the flame.”
In 1990, the year the Sister City relationship was established, McEuen was a freshman at Georgetown College and eager to pursue his interest in Japan. He began as a volunteer, eventually working his way up to a position as director of the Sister City Program. During his six-year tenure, Georgetown/Tahara was recognized as the Outstanding Sister City Program for cities of that size by Sister Cities International.
“Credit goes to the leadership of the city and college,” insists McEuen. “Both were quick to see the opportunity to forge long-lasting relationships based on areas of common interest.”
The two cities shared information on agriculture and the environment, particularly the conservation of creeks and rivers, but they also delved into aspects of each other’s culture.
If the Japanese got an even greater appreciation for bourbon and horses from their association with the Kentuckians, Bluegrass residents learned more about kite festivals and quilting from their Japanese counterparts.
There were library exchanges and student exchanges at the junior high, high school and college level, but most of all there were long-lasting friendships, says McEuen, who lived in Japan for four years and speaks fluent Japanese.
As testament to that friendship, he says, when Tahara found itself with a $100,000 windfall, city leaders did not use it for their own benefit. Rather, they donated the entire amount to Georgetown for the Yuko-en Garden.
Though he will not be on this year’s trip, Daniel Harrison benefited both professionally and personally from Georgetown’s Sister City relationship. After spending three years in Tahara teaching English, he returned to Georgetown, bringing with him both a new career goal and a new bride.
As to the former, his three years in Japan gave him a passion for brewing craft beer which led to his current role as Brand Manager for Country Boy Brewing. As for the latter, he also found a passion for a young Japanese lady named Michiko, now his wife and an administrative assistant at Toyota.
Harrison says he also came back with an unbreakable link to Tahara on many levels. “I’ve been back at least five times since I lived there,” says Harrison, adding “that to me, Tahara feels like Georgetown in the sense that we are the same size, have the same agricultural population, and though home to multi-national corporations, still manage to maintain small town charm.
The people of Georgetown and Tahara may speak a different language,” he continues, “but in every other way they are connected.”
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PHOTOS
Additional photos available.
Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting amid Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest-growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse, and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown has dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery, Blue Run Spirits Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 20 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
Press Release - Downtown Merchants Unite For Charity With 2nd Annual Holiday Hop & Help Event
Downtown Merchants Unite For Charity With Second Annual Holiday Hop & Help Event
Georgetown, KY – December 11, 2025 – What’s better than shopping local? Shopping locally for a good cause! Georgetown/Scott County Tourism invites the community to celebrate the spirit of giving during the Shop Local, Give Local event on December 13–14, 2025. Saturday 10am-4pm & Sunday 1pm-5pm
This two-day event encourages residents and visitors alike to explore Georgetown’s charming local shops while supporting area nonprofits and community needs. Shoppers can pick up a punch card at any participating business, then enjoy browsing and buying unique gifts, holiday décor, and local treasures. Each purchase not only supports a small business—it also helps make a difference in the community.
Every participating shop will donate a portion of proceeds to a local nonprofit or charitable cause, spreading the joy of the season throughout Scott County. Once shoppers collect punches from multiple stores, they can turn in their completed cards for a chance to win up to $100 in gift certificates from participating businesses.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift or simply want to experience Georgetown’s festive downtown charm, Shop Local, Give Local is the perfect way to do both.
For more information, a full list of participating businesses, and punch card details, visit the official event page or reach out to Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
Shop small. Give big. Make a difference—right here at home.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Savannah Reeves, Administrative Marketing Assistant
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
502-863-2547
PHOTOS
Additional photos available.
Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting amid Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest-growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse, and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown has dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 20 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
Press Release - Ward Hall Candlelit Tours 2025
Ward Hall Candlelit Tours Return Ealry December
Georgetown, KY – November 25, 2025 – Ward Hall Invites Guests to Step Into Christmas Past During Annual Candlelight Tours Georgetown, KY — Georgetown/Scott County Tourism is delighted to invite the community and visitors from across the region to experience one of Kentucky’s most magical holiday traditions: the Candlelight Tours at Ward Hall, the state’s grandest Greek Revival mansion. Each December, this majestic 1850s home glows with the warmth of flickering candlelight, transporting guests to a Christmas season reminiscent of a bygone era.
Known for its architectural splendor, Ward Hall becomes even more enchanting during the holidays. Volunteer historians and expert guides welcome guests into rooms adorned with fresh greenery, vintage décor, and period-inspired arrangements that highlight the mansion’s architectural grandeur. As visitors move from chamber to chamber, they’ll hear stories of the Ward family, learn how Victorian-era Christmas traditions took root, and discover the remarkable history that has made Ward Hall a beloved landmark in Scott County.
The Candlelight Tours offer more than a glimpse into 19th-century holiday traditions—they create a full sensory experience. The soft glow of candles, the scent of evergreens, the gentle notes of seasonal music, and the echo of footsteps on polished floors all combine to create a truly immersive journey. Guests are encouraged to take their time exploring the mansion, admiring the craftsmanship that has been meticulously preserved by the Ward Hall Preservation Foundation.
Each year, countless visitors make the pilgrimage to Georgetown specifically for these tours, making them one of the area’s most cherished seasonal highlights. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a festive outing to share with family and friends, Ward Hall’s Candlelight Tours offer an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season.
Ward Hall Candlelight Tour Dates:
December 4-7 & 11-14
For more information, visit: https://www.wardhall.net/
Come make holiday memories in one of Kentucky’s most treasured historic homes—and experience the magic of Christmas at Ward Hall.
PHOTOS
Additional photos available.
Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting amid Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest-growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse, and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown has dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 20 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
Tourism Executive Lori Saunders Named Recipient of Statewide Parks Award David Lose Award Recognizes significant contributions to Georgetown-Scott County Parks & Recreation
Georgetown, KY – December 2, 2025 – The Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Office announced today that Executive Director Lori Cooper Saunders has been honored with the Kentucky Recreation and Park Society’s 2025 David Lose Award for her work in developing partnerships with and steadfast dedication to Georgetown–Scott County Parks & Recreation. Saunders’ leadership and vision have helped to bring the highest standard of recreational opportunities to Georgetown and enhanced the quality of life for the community.
“I’m incredibly humbled to receive the David Lose Award. Georgetown and Scott County are special because of the people who pour their hearts into this community, and our Parks & Recreation team is at the center of that spirit. It’s been a privilege to partner with them to support the programs, green spaces, and recreational experiences that make our community such a vibrant place to live and visit. This recognition truly reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to creating a healthy, active, and welcoming Georgetown–Scott County. I am excited about all the good work still ahead of us,” Lori Saunders, Executive Director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism said.
A long-time and passionate tourism professional, Saunders currently serves as president of the Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (KACVB), vice chair of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, a board member of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA), and the Kentucky Delegate for the Southeast Tourism Society’s Legislative Team.
A graduate of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College, Saunders and the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism team have earned multiple KTIA Traverse Awards over the years, including recognitions in 2024 and 2025 for major initiatives such as the multi-jurisdictional “Kentucky After Dark”, “Horses, Horsepower, and Hollars” projects, and the regional “Joy Ride” campaign. Award-winning efforts for Georgetown/Scott County include “That’s Georgetown, KY for Ya!” and the “Bourbon Genesis” campaigns. She was also named KTIA Member of the Year in 2022, Georgetown, KY Citizen of the Year in 2018, and Georgetown Woman of the Year in 2014.
Saunders has a strong record of support for the downtown Georgetown business district and Georgetown–Scott County Parks & Recreation (GSC Parks) through fundraising and grant opportunities, her collaboration with the parks department to coordinate special events with the public and business community, and marketing GSC Parks throughout Kentucky through attendance at state and national tourism events.
The David Lose Award is presented annually by the Kentucky Recreation and Park Society to an agency, organization or individual that has “developed and/or established a successful partnership or relationship to significantly help advance and impact the cause of the parks and recreation movement and whose dedication to the field parallels the same dedication and zeal towards parks, recreation and conservation that was exhibited by the late David Lose.” Lose was a landscape architect whose greatest professional interest was parks and recreation and who spearheaded notable park projects in Nashville, TN.
“While Lori has invested many hours in planning recreational events and opportunities for the community of Georgetown, she has also fought for funding and better partnerships that bridge the gap between local business owners and the world of recreation as well,” said Katie Posey, Pavilion Recreation Manager at Georgetown-Scott County Parks and Recreation, who nominated Saunders. “Tourism is the largest industry in the world but fueling many tourism destinations are the recreational opportunities offered.
“Lori believes in our community and its natural green space, gardens, historic lands and beautiful waterways. She has helped with initiatives that encourage a healthy lifestyle and physical activity within parks and has truly built a healthy partnership between tourism and parks,” Posey added. “We look forward to seeing continued progress for the community through our joint partnership with her.”
Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins cited Saunders’ excellent leadership as executive director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
“Lori continues to be an asset to Georgetown–Scott County Parks & Recreation and the City of Georgetown by building relationships and keeping our community engagement at an all-time high in improving citizens’ quality of life,” he said.
“Georgetown and Scott County are incredibly proud of our tourism director for being honored with the David Lose Award, one of Kentucky’s most respected statewide recognitions in parks and recreation,” added Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington. “Lori’s leadership continues to strengthen our local economy, elevate our outdoor assets and enhance the visitor experience for everyone who comes to enjoy Scott County.”
The award was presented at Kentucky Recreation and Park Society’s annual Conference and Trade Show, held November 12-14, 2025, at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, KY.
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County, visit www.georgetownky.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Bailey Gilkerson
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
502-863-2547
About the Kentucky Recreation and Park Society | KRPS was organized in 1954 as a nonprofit professional association for Kentucky’s parks and recreation professionals. Its mission is to further the growth and development of recreation and park services in Kentucky. This is accomplished by providing conferences, workshops, technical assistance, advocacy and other exchanges of information that enable each professional to become effective in improving the quality of life in Kentucky communities. The Society is affiliate member of the National Recreation and Park Association, headquartered in Ashburn, VA.
About GSC PARKS | Georgetown–Scott County Parks & Recreation is all about creating fun, connection and community. From beautiful parks and trails to exciting programs and special events, GSC Parks is here to help residents of all ages stay active, engaged and inspired. With more than 350 acres of parkland, recreation centers, athletic fields and aquatic facilities, there’s always something happening. Whether it is joining a fitness class, cheering on a youth team or enjoying a festival, GSC Parks is dedicated to making every experience a memorable one.
ABOUT GEORGETOWN KY | Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting in the midst of Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown is filled with dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail at Lytles Fork Recreation Area; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery. Accommodations: 80+ unique stays, 19 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
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