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.
The tourist commission, also known as a CVB (convention & visitor bureau), is a not-for-profit organization (a quasi-governmental entity) governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes supported by a transient room tax and a restaurant tax. During the 1970s, the Kentucky General Assembly acknowledged tourism is a powerful economic force and supports thousands of jobs for Kentuckians. The legislature voted two bills into law to support local tourism efforts by providing these dedicated revenue streams. The HMCTC is governed by a 7-member appointed board of directors (3 lodging, 1 restaurant, 1 city, 1 county, 1 chamber) as mandated by KRS.
Harrodsburg offers more authentic historical experiences than any other destination in the state. An extensive marketing plan promotes The Coolest Place in History and stakes a claim as the best place to experience history and heritage in a way that isn’t limited to viewing static museum displays, reading dusty pages in a book or wondering how ancient artifacts worked long ago. In Harrodsburg, history is dynamic and alive, and the past and present co-exist to offer a truly authentic experience to visitors. While heritage travel is the most sizable niche, the Commission also entices travelers to experience firsthand the range of tourism opportunities available.
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. HMCTC interfaces with the tourism industry through professional affiliations, consumer travel shows, group motor coach marketplaces, direct mail, internet and personal contact.
Tourism Expenditures
The most recent statewide tourism statistics, released in May of 2018 by the Kentucky Department of Travel, indicated that tourism expenditures in the state for the year 2017 were over $15 billion and created over 195,000 tourism-related jobs.
According to the report, tourism in Mercer County experienced another dramatic increase over the previous year. Mercer County netted a 7.5 percent increase in 2017, continuing a growth trend that has held for more than five years. Tourist activity generated nearly $56.5 million in total tourist spending and employs over 1,164 people. As a result of taxes generated, each of Mercer County’s 8,824 households paid $670 less in local and state taxes.
In Kentucky's Bluegrass Region, which includes Mercer County, the expenditures for 2017 were over $3.2 billion.
When tourism thrives, so does Harrodsburg/Mercer County and the state of Kentucky!
When tourism thrives, so does Harrodsburg/Mercer County and the state of Kentucky!
Contact Us
Harrodsburg/Mercer Co. Tourist Commission
488 Price Ave.
PO Box 283
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
(859) 734-2364 Office
(800) 355-9192 Toll Free