By Stu Johnson/KPR
Frankfort, KY – Discretionary spending is often the first to suffer during tough economic times. Yet, the C-E-O of Kentucky's Travel Industry Association says people still want to get away. Kay Berggren admits the trend has been toward shorter trips with fewer dollars spent. But she says recently there's been an uptick in activity
"We're seeing our numbers go up. They are going up slowly. We're seeing our business sector come back a little bit, but it still is in a slump and we don't expect to be out of it within a month or two. We know that this is going to be with us."
Berggren says what helps in Kentucky is the Commonwealth's emphasis on existing historical and cultural attractions
"We don't create something for you to come to. We take our heritage and we make it something you want to come and be a part of the experience."
Berggren cited the Kentucky Horse Park and Shakertown at Pleasant Hill. The Kentucky Travel Industry Association is staging its annual meeting in Lexington this week.