By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Park City Tourism Commission is gearing up for a packed summer, with events, marketing campaigns, and grant opportunities all in motion, according to the May Executive Director’s Report.
Before delving into the report at the body’s May meeting, chairman Joe Bailey brought to the commission’s attention that the new wayfinding signs have been placed around the town. The new signs were designed with the purpose of leaning into the city’s close ties to Mammoth Cave National Park, mirroring the brown hues often associated with park signage. The five new signs, and their installation, cost approximately $3,000 with all members present in agreement that the money was “well spent.”
“We’ve got two coming in from I-65, one southbound and one northbound on 31-W and then the one up here turning into Bell’s Tavern,” Bailey said.
The new signage put up around Park City that echo the motif of signs similar to Mammoth Cave National Park. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Moving along to the executive report, director Linda Watts explained that during National Travel and Tourism Week, which was May 4-10, the commission rolled out a series of social media posts, videos, and stories to highlight the area’s attractions. She also pointed out that the city is waiting on figures from the governor’s office exhibiting tourism’s economic impact throughout the commonwealth. Watts attributed this delay to a string of severe weather events stymieing the rollout, however it was noted that the figures are even greater than last year’s record-breaking impact report.
Park City was also named to the shortlist to host Travel Weekly editor Johanna Jainchill for a visit, including lunch at Miss Betty’s Diner and a cave tour at Diamond Caverns.
Tourism has also received a $30,000 Trail Town Grant, stemming from the state’s “New Kentucky Home” initiative.
“Our Kentucky Trail Town communities play a big role in contributing to Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, highlighting the best outdoor recreational experiences across the commonwealth,” said Governor Andy Beshear in a release. “This funding provides the resources to create unforgettable experiences, share unique stories, highlight the beauty of our natural resources and welcome more people to experience the warmth and charm of our New Kentucky Home.”
Upcoming events include the Southern Kentucky Highland Games on May 31 and the return of Bell’s Tavern Park’s free concert series and karaoke nights. Looking ahead, the Park City Bigfoot Festival is scheduled for Oct. 11, and now has a live website.
New marketing campaigns are in development for the fiscal year 2026, including ad placements in The Tennessean Magazine and local newspaper inserts. A new brochure is also in progress, with updates to the city’s wayfinding signage expected soon.
While international travel spending in the U.S. is projected to drop by seven percent in 2025, surveys show domestic luxury travelers are planning more leisure trips—some budgeting upwards of $50,000 for travel in the coming year.
The next Park City Tourist Commission meeting is scheduled for June 10 at 2 p.m. at the Park City Lion’s Club.
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