Tourist Commission

The Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission was created to market the city and county as a travel destination to generate revenue for the local economy.

The Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission is the official destination marketing organization for Harrodsburg and Mercer County.  Since 1979, the HMCTC's primary goal has been to enhance the city and county's economy through tourism development--to promote and sell the community as a destination for leisure, group and business travel.  
 
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 over 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.

The 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.

New statewide tourism statistics, released in July of 2010 by the Kentucky Department of Travel, indicated that tourism expenditures in the state, for the year 2009, were over $10.8 billion and created approximately 176,500 tourism-related jobs.   

According to the report, tourism in Mercer County increased in 2009 and added $34 million to the local economy.  
 
In Kentucky's Bluegrass Region, which includes Mercer County, the expenditures for 2009 were $2.4 billion.

For tourist attractions and events here in Mercer Co. see the tourist commission's website:

Tourist Commission