Page 22 - 2020 Resource Guide

ARTS & TOURISM

Paducah’s tourism industry is significant, driving an economic culinary offerings available here,” said Laura Oswald, CVB
impact of more than $262 million annually, supporting 2,420 Director of Marketing. “Inspired by Paducah’s creative
jobs and generating $20.43 million in state and local taxes. culture, local entrepreneurs, event organizers and arts
Tourism matters to Paducah-McCracken County!* organizations continue to create new experiences that appeal
to visitors, from cultural travelers to meeting attendees.”
“The benefits of the arts and tourism are felt across our
community as they help to create jobs, lower taxes and Paducah’s local flavor also took the spotlight on the cover
enhance quality of life,” said Mary Hammond, Executive of ConventionSouth Magazine in July 2019 with a photo of
Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Historic Downtown and Barbecue on the River. The story,
“A number of factors point to the potential for another decade “Small Markets, Big on Meetings,” showcased Paducah as a
of growth as development surrounding the riverfront and small to mid-size markets in which meeting planners can
sports tourism continue.” uncover hidden value.
With the airing of season 16 “Paducah continues to prove its value as a host city for
of Bravo’s Top Chef, the meetings and events,” said Lynda Peters-Jones, CVB Director
world watched as local of Convention Sales. “Continued collaboration between the
chef-testant Sara Bradley, CVB, the Convention Center and other local partners resulted
freight house, made it in successfully hosting numerous groups in 2019 including
to the finale. Paducah is the National Trail of Tears Association, and we look forward
now experiencing the to welcoming Field & Stream/Outdoor Life Expo and many
“Top Chef effect,” a term more exciting events in 2020.”
that speaks to the food
Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail, a two-day fishing
competition’s ability to attract
tournament, returned to Paducah’s riverfront for a 2-day
visitors to its host cities and
Super event, and the City of Paducah Transient Boat Dock
contestants’ hometowns.
earned its third marinas.com Boaters’ Choice Award in 2019.
“Chef Sara peaked interest in Paducah with her performance Paducah was announced as one of five pilot communities
and her restaurant is now an entry point for the many for Tennessee RiverLine Initiative and the new McCracken

22 | PADUCAH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 BUSINESS OVERVIEW