3rd Annual Tourism Forum

BHA to Hold 3rd Annual Bluegrass Tourism Forum: Kentucky Commerce Secretary Jim Host to Deliver Keynote Address

(Lexington, KY - May 11, 2005) - The Bluegrass Hospitality Association, Inc. (BHA) will hold its 3rd Annual Bluegrass Tourism Forum, May 18th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort. The Forum is an opportunity to hear from key leaders regarding the state of the tourism industry in the Bluegrass and Kentucky. Speakers will provide remarks regarding the 2010 World Equestrian Games that may come to the region and the importance and status of the Bluegrass State Games.

The featured keynote speaker will be Kentucky Commerce Secretary Jim Host, who will provide an overview of tourism in the state and its national branding efforts. In 2003, the tourism industry in the Bluegrass Region supported approximately 24,000 jobs and brought over one billion dollars to the region. 2004 tourism figures will be available later this summer. Secretary Host will address how Kentucky is expanding its effort to build on these impressive economic numbers.

Other speakers are key influential leaders in the bluegrass hospitality industry and include:

• Fran Taylor, Executive Director, Keeneland Foundation
• Bill Owen, President-CEO, Lexington Center Corporation
• John Nicholson, Executive Director, Kentucky Horse Park
• David Lord, President, Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Rick Hatcher, President/ Executive Director, Lexington Area Sports Authority
• Michael Gobb, Executive Director, Bluegrass Airport
• Bob Quick, President/CEO, Commerce Lexington, Inc.

“It’s an honor to have these important industry leaders participate in the program,” said Mark Jeffrey, BHA President and General Manager of the Griffin Gate Marriot Resort. “BHA is committed to working with every hospitality partner to generate continued economic growth for Kentucky tourism. We have invited local and state government executives to attend the Forum as well as the surrounding county convention center presidents. Collaboration and communication among all the partners are the keys to keeping tourism strong in our state and the region.”

The Forum is part of “Take Pride in the Bluegrass: A Tribute to Preservation and Tourism” that runs May 14-22. For a list of events go to: http://www.visitlex.com/TakePride.html.

The BHA Tourism Forum is open to all those interested in the current and future state of Kentucky tourism. The registration fee is $15 for BHA members and $30 for non-members and covers the cost of lunch.

About BHA
BHA represents and establishes strategic direction for the hospitality and tourism industry in the Bluegrass area. Members include top executives in the lodging and tourism industries. Formerly the Greater Lexington Hotel Motel Association, BHA is the preeminent hospitality association in Kentucky.

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For more information please contact Tracy Tucker at 859-514-9210.