TORONTO — Where can travellers find Mammoth Cave National Park, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the National Corvette Museum?

They’re all in Kentucky – along with the state’s famous horses and bourbon, of course.

Commissioner Mike Mangeot, Kentucky Department of Tourism, knows his home state is best known for its lush green horse pastures, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, plus the 100 bourbon distilleries that make drives like the Kentucky Bourbon Trail so popular with visitors.

But visitors also need to know about all the other things that make ‘The Bluegrass State’ so great, says Mangeot in this new interview with Travelweek.

Mike Mangeot

Travelweek: Kentucky is increasingly on the radar for Canadian travellers. What sort of visitation numbers are you seeing from the Canadian market, and is that an increase?

Mangeot: “Kentucky has seen a noticeable uptick in visitation from the Canadian market in recent years, with both Zaritco geolocation data and Visa Destinations showing a +10% visitation growth (and 9% rise in spend).

“Canadians are increasingly drawn to Kentucky’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and world-famous attractions like the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and horse heritage.

“We’ve observed a steady year-over-year increase, reflecting a growing interest in what Kentucky has to offer. This upward trend is a testament to our targeted marketing efforts in Canada and the appeal of Kentucky as an exciting, yet accessible, travel destination.”

A horse farm in Lexington, KY

Travelweek: For the first-time visitor, what are some of your recommendations for a two to three day stay? 

Mangeot: “For first-time visitors spending two to three days in Kentucky, I recommend starting in Louisville, where you can experience Kentucky Derby Museum , visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, and explore the vibrant NuLu district.

“A day trip to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is a must for equine enthusiasts, where you can learn about the state’s rich horse racing history. For outdoor adventure lovers, a trip to Natural Bridge Resort State Park located near the Red River Gorge area provides miles of hiking.

“To round out your visit, consider a scenic drive to Mammoth Cave National Park or to Bowling Green to discover the American Love Affair exhibit at the National Corvette Museum.”

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Travelweek: What sort of airlift does Kentucky have from Canadian cities? 

Mangeot: “Kentucky is connected to Canada through direct flights to Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). There are also several easy indirect flights. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX) both offer indirect flights from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal. These flights provide easy access to Kentucky’s main attractions, making it a convenient destination for Canadian travellers.”

Travelweek: On the dining and drinks scene, Kentucky is famous for its bourbon and its BBQ. Are there self-drive trails that visitors can use to explore this tasty side of the state?

Mangeot: “Kentucky offers several self-drive trails that highlight our renowned culinary and bourbon heritage. As mentioned, the Bourbon Trail is a popular route, but we also host Brewgrass Trail and Wine Trails where guests can sample world-class beverages across the state.

“For BBQ lovers, the Western Kentucky BBQ Trail offers a mouthwatering journey through the state’s best BBQ joints, each with its unique take on this Southern classic. These trails allow visitors to explore at their own pace and truly immerse themselves in Kentucky’s rich food and drink culture. Louisville offers a walkable trail with more than 10 distillery experiences, and bourbon centric attractions called the Urban Bourbon Trail.”

Travelweek: What resources does Kentucky Tourism offer for Canadian travel advisors?

Mangeot: “Kentucky Tourism provides a range of resources tailored for Canadian travel advisors.

“The Brand USA comprehensive online portal includes a Kentucky hub with a detailed destination guides, sample itineraries, and marketing materials designed to help advisors craft the perfect Kentucky experience for their clients.

“Kentucky Tourism also offers FAM trips and webinars that give travel professionals firsthand knowledge of the state, along with access to our team for personalized support and assistance with travel planning.”

Travelweek: What do you want Canadian travel advisors to know about Kentucky, especially when it comes to clearing up any misconceptions?

Mangeot: “We want Canadian travel advisors to know that Kentucky is a diverse and vibrant destination that goes beyond its famous bourbon and horses. While those are certainly highlights, Kentucky also offers stunning natural landscapes, a world class arts scene with a UNESCO Creative City designation in Paducah, rich history, and warm, welcoming communities.

“A common misconception is that Kentucky is purely a rural destination, but our cities, like Louisville and Lexington, are cultural hubs with thriving nightlife, dining, music, and arts scenes.

“We invite travellers to explore all aspects of Kentucky and discover the hidden gems that make our state truly unique.”

For more information about travel to Kentucky see KentuckyTourism.com. Brand USA’s USA Discovery Program for the trade is here.