About the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)

The Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Paducah, Kentucky. Our mission is to generate economic impact for the community through tourism marketing, destination management, and strategic development.

Paducah holds the distinction of being Kentucky's only UNESCO Creative City, designated in the category of Crafts and Folk Art. The CVB works to share this story and welcome visitors from around the world to experience our creative community.

The Paducah CVB is accredited through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International, a recognition held by fewer than 200 destination organizations worldwide. The CVB is funded by the Transient Room Tax, collected from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rental accommodations.

Destination Vision

Paducah, Kentucky will be recognized internationally for its significant American heritage, inspiring creative culture and outstanding hospitality.

Social Vision

Paducah CVB will foster culture, creativity and innovation as a means to sustainable development making the City a great place to work, visit and live.

DMAP Seal

The Paducah CVB is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. The Paducah CVB is a quasi-governmental organization, funded by the Transient Room Tax levied on hotel, motel, bed & breakfast accommodations, and overnight room rentals and retreats. 

Social Impact Statement

Tourism has the power to transform communities. When destinations commit to driving social impact, they create thriving local economies, increase access to opportunities, and ensure that visitors contribute to a better world.

Paducah's Tourism Industry & Visitor Economy

Travel promotion is business development, and tourism plays a pivotal role in building our community and economy for the benefit and well-being of every resident! Learn more about the local tourism industry which generates substantial economic and cultural impact through tourism in Paducah-McCracken County.

Visitor trips generated $232.8 million in direct expenditures, contributing to a $319.1 million total impact in 2023, an increase of $5 million over 2022. The visitor economy in Paducah-McCracken County supports 2,463 jobs and generates $25.9 million in state and local taxes annually.

Paducah CVB Board:

Glenn Denton Chair

Represents Chamber of Commerce

Sara Bradley Secretary, Treasurer

Represents Restaurant Industry

Kelm Burchard

Represents Lodging Industry

Michael Cochran Vice Chair

Represents Lodging Industry

Sherry Kahne

Represents Mayor/City of Paducah

Mark Thompson

Represents Mayor/City of Paducah

Paul Bradford Legal Representative

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