United States Congressman Hal Rogers recently announced that $685,000 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives for continued support of the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA).

As part of the 2010 fiscal year financial services and general government appropriations bill, the funding for SEKTDA will sustain critical tourism-based economic development, training and promotion.

“At every turn, families are looking for less expensive and more convenient, closer to home vacation options,” said Rogers. “Because of our coordinated tourism initiative, southern and eastern Kentucky is well poised to draw these would-be visitors to fish our wild rivers, enjoy rich family entertainment at Renfro Valley or the Mountain Arts Center, camp along Buckhorn Lake or hike on Pine Mountain. Our region has an endless number of attractions, and SEKTDA is leading the way in promoting these eye-catching and adventure-seeking spots around the world. With these funds, SEKTDA will continue its fine efforts at training up entrepreneurs, building up local tourism coalitions and keeping visitors coming back to Appalachia.”

Kim Collier, the Harlan Tourism director and newly elected Harlan County Outdoor Recreation Board Authority chairman, said (SEKTDA) provides a valuable service throughout the region.

“We have participated with (SEKTDA), or Tour SEKY since its inception, and they provide funding for certain projects in different areas of community. We certainly enjoy being a part of the organization and feel it is a very beneficial part of our states tourism industry,” Collier said. “We plan to continue our relationship with Tour SEKY and Congressman Rogers and do our part to improve the tourism industry in Harlan County.”

Over the past five years, Rogers has secured nearly $6 million for SEKTDA. In 2007, the tourism and travel industry contributed over $1.3 billion annually to the region, supporting 20,000 jobs. Statewide, there is a $10.1 billion annual impact from tourism.

SEKTDA is a non-profit organization created in 1987 to promote and coordinate tourism throughout southern and eastern Kentucky in an effort to contribute to the economic and cultural growth of the region. SEKTDA, through its 47-county service area, utilizes these funds to train small business operators, community leaders and entrepreneurs in hospitality, marketing, customer retention and business plan development.

“I think they (SEKTDA) have helped to get southern and eastern Kentucky more on the map as far as tourism goes,” Collier said. “They have been a tremendous support to all of us.”