Kentucky Department Of Travel News Release

SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY (STS) MARKETING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR KENTUCKY TOURISM PROFESSIONALS

The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, together with Official Kentucky Visitors Guide publisher Miles Media, will offer two full scholarships to the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College to tourism marketing professionals in Kentucky. Applications are available now, and the deadline to apply is April 26, 2010.

“We encourage everyone involved in Kentucky tourism to participate in the STS educational programs available. This is a great chance for some of our industry partners to participate in this wonderful program and become even better at the business of tourism. The tourism industry is very competitive and continuing education is important for destinations to compete in the global market,” said Mike Cooper, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism.

“STS is delighted to be working in partnership with Miles Media and the Kentucky Department of Tourism. We commend both of these partners for their encouragement and commitment to the continuing education of employees in the travel and tourism industry,” said Bill Hardman, STS President and CEO.

The STS Marketing College is a three-year educational program for members of the tourism industry in the Southeast United States. From July 25 - 30, 2010, the courses will be held at the campus of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga. During this week, students will experience a broad-based curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry. Marketing College professors are working, experienced professionals from across the U.S. who bring expertise, real-world knowledge and experience to the classroom.

The Marketing College curriculum is constantly under review to assure a power-packed, well- rounded tourism marketing education. From the time students arrive on Sunday evening until they depart on Friday, they enjoy classes, lectures, discussion groups and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities in an academic environment conducive to learning. Students who attend three years of Marketing College receive a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification, presented at a special graduation ceremony at the STS spring meeting.

In each class students receive a syllabus outlining course objectives and method of instruction. Samples courses include: Conducting a Successful Press Tour; Writing a Marketing Plan 101; Inquiry to Fulfillment to Conversion to Database; Generational Marketing; Creating a Perfect Tourism Brochure; Tourism Market Research Insights; Working with Travel Agents, Crisis Communications, Selling for Success and Grass Roots Success.

The STS Marketing scholarships will be awarded to two Kentucky tourism professionals and cover tuition, accommodations and most meals for the 2010 session. The scholarships will be granted based on criteria established by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and/or Kentucky Tourism Council (KTC) in cooperation with Miles Media and will encompass professional aptitude and future career goals in the tourism industry. The STS application is attached or you can contact [email protected] or Beth Holbrook, Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, [email protected], to request an application. For more information on STS Marketing College, visit http://www.southeasttourism.org/education/. Scott Templeton, Miles Media’s Southeast U.S. Regional Publisher, says, "We are very excited to provide individuals in the Kentucky tourism industry with an opportunity for professional growth, exchange of ideas and networking with their peers in the Kentucky and Southeast tourism communities." Miles Media is also offering the STS scholarships in Florida, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Tennessee. In addition to the five-state scholarship program, Miles Media recently broadened its relationship with the STS Marketing College by becoming the program’s presenting sponsor.

Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is a leader among state organizations in the U.S. tourism industry. Tourism in Kentucky employs more than 176,000 individuals and generates an economic impact of over $11 billion annually. The tourism department’s mission is to promote travel to and within Kentucky.

Miles Media is the publisher of Kentucky’s Official Visitor’s Guide. In the 55 years since the company was founded, Miles Media has grown to become the largest publisher of tourism information, both in print and on the Internet, in the United States. Miles Media handles print and internet programs for state tourism offices in Kentucky, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Louisiana and others. Miles Media’s mission is to be an innovative partner with the ultimate goal of delivering visitors to their destination clients.