We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact.

a note from our President

Contributing over 15 billion dollars to the economy of Kentucky annually, tourism is a critical economic driver in the state.  The Bluegrass Tourism Marketing Association provides networking and educational opportunities to the stakeholders in the industry.  By working together with our industry partners, and one another, we learn what makes Kentucky tourism thrive.  This knowledge enables us to share with our guests about each other’s businesses which then, in turn, contributes to the growth of the tourism industry in Kentucky by encouraging tourists to enjoy more of our beautiful state.

 At our monthly meetings, our members have the opportunity to network, learn about the host location, and receive information from our speakers.  Topics include upcoming events, research on the industry from the state, marketing opportunities, social media, and much more.  Gaining knowledge about the availability and range of services our area offers makes each of us a stronger ambassador for our communities.

Please join us for our next luncheon!

Best Regards, 

Courtney Jones
2024 BTMA President

Our Mission

 

Awareness

The Bluegrass Tourism Marketing Association Inc. (BTMA) is a partnership of tourism professionals founded to expand awareness of member businesses through networking opportunities and professional development.

Networking

The association currently represents over 40 member entities and over 100 hospitality professionals from all sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Marketing

BTMA holds monthly meetings of the membership, where guests and prospective members are welcome. At these meetings, we hear from a variety of speakers covering an array of tourism marketing topics.

 

Our Goals

 

Connection

To connect industry professionals so we can become marketing ambassadors for each other while building friendships among industry peers.

Education

Educating our membership to keep current on the ever-changing marketing tools and strategies creates economic expansion in the region through extended stays, repeat visits, and positive reviews.

Information

Keeping members informed of regional events impacting tourism and becoming resources for one another.

 

FAQs

  • The company is a member.

    You pay annual dues based on the size of your company. Then, each individual from your company attending a meeting pays per person.

  • Choose Member if your company paid this year’s membership dues.

    Choose Pre-Paid Member if you paid for all your luncheons at the beginning of the year.

    Choose Non-Member if you are not a current BTMA member.

    Please note: Attending as a Guest is reserved for those who have not attended a BTMA meeting and want to know more about the organization. If you or your organization have previously attended meetings and/or have been a member in the past, please register as a non-member. Guest attendance is limited to one person per organization.

  • Independent Local Business Membership is for independent, local businesses with up to five full-time employees.

    For example, our Independent members include EventWell Collective, Horse Country, Inc., Simply Love Studio, and TravelHost of the Bluegrass.

    Small Business Membership is for individuals, small business owners, or single hotels or organizations with six or more full-time employees. It is our most popular membership.

    For example, our Small Business members include Bluegrass Airport, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Keeneland, and individual hotel properties.

    Mid-Size Membership is for companies or hotel groups representing two or three hotels or organizations.

    For example, our Mid-Size members are Lexington Marriott City Center/Residence Inn by Marriott City Center.

    Premium Membership is for large companies or hotel groups representing four or more hotels or properties.

    For example, our Premium members include Rainmaker Hospitality which manages Candlewood Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites, and Hyatt Place Lexington.