Richmond Tourism Commission
PURPOSE /MISSION
The Richmond Tourism Commission was created for the purpose of attracting visitors and growing the economy of the City of Richmond
To extend the hand of welcome to all visitors, and visitor prospects in keeping with the highest traditions of hospitality expected of our area.
Richmond Tourism is a quasi-department of the City of Richmond authorized by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 91A.350) and established in 1981 by a City of Richmond ordinance.
Richmond Tourism has four major responsibilities:
- To encourage visitors to discover the historic, cultural, and recreational opportunities available in the Richmond area.
- To encourage and support groups that are holdings meetings and conventions in Richmond.
- To assist groups with meeting preparations while their meeting is in progress.
- To increase business to every establishment which directly or indirectly serves the traveling public and/or conventioneer
We do not organize meetings and conventions but help to guide meeting planners and visitors to attractions and services that result in a positive Richmond experience.
For visitors, we provide a wealth of information (in advance of their arrival and while they are in town) about what to see and do in Richmond. We produce a comprehensive visitor planning guide and provide vacation planning assistance.
Richmond Tourism is not a membership organization. Operating revenue is generated by occupied hotel/motel rooms in the City of Richmond. By state statute, hotels collect a three percent occupancy tax from their guests. That revenue goes to the Richmond Tourism Commission for our operations. This is the only funding source we receive.
Richmond Tourism Commission is headed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the Mayor for staggered terms. Three commissioners are selected as representatives of the hotel and motel industry. One commissioner is selected as a representative of the restaurant industry. One commissioner is selected from the membership of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Two commissioners are selected by the Mayor and must be residents of Richmond/ Madison County. In addition to the 7 appointed members, we have two ex-officio members who are non-voting.
The staff of Richmond Tourism is the working arm of the Commission.
The travel and tourism industry is the state’s third-largest retail industry. As such, it is very competitive. Every state, city, and destination are actively vying for its share of the tourist and convention market. A primary objective of Richmond Tourism is to secure Richmond’s share of the industry.
Richmond KY Tourism Commission – Board
Name/ Officer Company/Agency Role/Position Yrs on Board
Nancy Wray-Chair Hairmasters Owner/Stylist Chamber Appt.
Michael Hay-Vice Chair/Treasurer EKU – Migrant Education Director Mayor Appt
Samantha Burford WBON- TV Reporter/ Local School Bd Member Mayor Appt
Sima Maggan Holiday Inn Express Owner Hotel Rep
Prakash Maggan TownePlace Suites Hotel Rep
Ronda Taylor Subway Shops (3) Owner/Operator Restaurant Rep
Sue Chenault Self-Employed Appraiser Ex-offico
Nancy Robertson Coldwell Banker Mahan Agent/Broker Ex-offico
