STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The 18th Annual Caveland Exploration Celebration is set for Tuesday, April 21, at the Cave Area Convention Center in Cave City.
Explore Kentucky’s Caveland, described as a partnership of area tourism organizations and businesses, presents the free event for front line employees of tourism-related businesses, including attractions, entertainment venues, lodging, restaurants, shops, welcome centers, convenience stores and service stations. This year’s celebration is sponsored by Munfordville Tourism.
“Our Caveland Celebration has attracted thousands of front line staff of tourism businesses since it began in 2008,” said Munfordville Tourism Commission Executive Director Aaron Jaggers. ”We specifically want to invite employees of local businesses that serve tourists, including attractions, entertainment venues, lodging, restaurants, shops, welcome centers, convenience stores, and service stations. Those employees answer visitor questions every day, and we want to help give them the answers to those questions.”
The celebration will feature more than 30 booths set up by local attractions and tourism businesses, with information about destinations across the tri-county Mammoth Cave area. In addition, organizers plan a 15-minute customer service training segment.
Front line employees of local tourism-related businesses who visit each booth and attend the short training will receive free “Caveland Fast Passes” that provide free admissions and discounts to participating local tourism businesses. Those who complete the activities will also be eligible for door prizes.
“We love hosting the Celebration here at the Cave Area Conference Center,” said Jennifer McNett, Cave City Tourism & Convention Commission Executive Director. “It’s free and open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm. Participants should plan to spend about an hour visiting the booths and attending the customer service training.”
Glasgow-Barren County Tourist and Convention Commission Executive Director MacLean Lessenberry said tourism is a vital part of the area’s economy, bringing an estimated $174 million in economic impact each year and supporting more than 1,350 jobs.
Edmonson County Tourism Executive Director Vanessa Ulm, who also serves as president of the Caveland Marketing Association, echoed Lessenberry’s comments and also noted that tourists not only visit local attractions but also eat in restaurants, shop in stores, stay in lodging properties, paddle rivers and lakes, hike local trails and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Horse Cave-Hart County Tourism Executive Director Sandra Wilson said the celebration is one of the group’s favorite events. She said front line staff get useful information and training, and that businesses can network and learn more about one another so they can encourage visitors to stay longer or plan return trips to experience the entire area.
Key Facts
– 18th Annual Caveland Exploration Celebration set for Tuesday, April 21, at the Cave Area Convention Center in Cave City
– Free event for front line employees of tourism-related businesses in the Mammoth Cave region
– Hosted by Explore Kentucky’s Caveland, a partnership of area tourism organizations and businesses
– Event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is sponsored this year by Munfordville Tourism
– Features more than 30 booths highlighting attractions in the tri-county Mammoth Cave area
– Includes a 15-minute customer service training segment for attendees
– Employees who visit each booth and complete training receive “Caveland Fast Passes” with free admissions and discounts
– Participants are also eligible for door prizes
– Tourism officials say the event supports a regional industry generating about $174 million annually and more than 1,350 jobs
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