Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are marking National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9, with events recognizing workers in the regional tourism industry.
The tourism industry supports more than 67,000 jobs across the two-state region, according to MeetNKY and Visit Cincy.
Staff from both organizations visited hotels, attractions and local businesses throughout the week to thank hospitality workers in person. In Northern Kentucky, MeetNKY employees used the NKY Connector Golf Cart fleet to deliver goodie bags to partners. In Cincinnati, staff distributed new visitor guides and recognized frontline hospitality workers.
“Tourism is a people-first industry,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, interim president and CEO of Visit Cincy and president and CEO of MeetNKY. “Behind every great visitor experience is someone who takes pride in this region and wants people to feel welcome when they’re here.”
Larry Krauter, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, said airport staff is often visitors’ first impression of the region.
“We have something for everyone,” Krauter said. “From our food scene and bourbon and breweries to destinations like the Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Zoo to events like Oktoberfest and BLINK.”