RED RIVER GORGE, Ky. – Tourism officials have released plans to attract more visitors to the Red River Gorge area.
The planning process conducted for Red River Economic Development by the Stantec consulting firm included two main components: the potential for developing a destination resort and the identification of key opportunities to advance economic development through tourism for the four-county Red River Gorge area.
The RRED hosted its fourth virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, unveiling details about new attractions which includes an integrated rail network and resort.
The proposed five-story hotel would also include an indoor and outdoor pool, outdoor amphitheatre for entertainment, restaurant, distillery and more. It comes at a price tag of around $135 million.
Part of the funding comes from a federal grant of $500,000 which was matched by the state and includes a two part master plan. Canadian company Stantec was selected, after an RFP, and has been working on the design for the past eight months.
The proposed location would be an 890-acre site off the Slade interchange, near the Mountain Parkway.
Tourism officials say the construction would be eco-friendly and sustainable, keeping the natural beauty of the area in mind.
As far as numbers, the 4.5 star resort is estimated to bring in around 90,000 visitors a year which would represent about $79 million in economic impact, also employing some 350 people.
Tourism officials say they will spend the next six months going to investors.
Other existing facilities in the area could also see a facelift and upgrades, to allow for additional development in Slade.
You can watch part 1 of the virtual meeting, HERE. Part 2 is available, HERE.
Additional information and reports can be viewed HERE.
Read the backstory, HERE.
Source: https://www.wtvq.com/2020/10/01/tourism-plan-including-135-million-resort-released-for-red-river-gorge/