AiG Receives Star of Tourism Award for Economic Impact!

At the annual meeting of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau last night, we were surprised to receive such a prestigious award, given the fact that hundreds of tourism-related businesses (hotels, attractions, and others) are in the region. Earlier in the evening, Mark Looy and Mike Zovath, my AiG cofounders, gave the keynote presentation. They showed drone videos and photos of both attractions and highlighted the tremendous economic impact not only to Northern Kentucky but also to Cincinnati across the Ohio River.

Over the next 10 years, the total economic impact of both the Ark and Creation Museum will be on the order of billions (not millions) of dollars.

Mark and Mike noted that over the next 10 years, the total economic impact of both the Ark and Creation Museum will be on the order of billions (not millions) of dollars, with thousands of Ark-related jobs being created as well. They also announced that the museum was having its best year ever in attendance, and will shatter the first-year attendance of 404,000. As they made their presentation to hotel owners, elected officials, restaurant owners, and others, Mark and Mike shared that AiG is promoting the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area as a vacation destination, and is encouraging our guests to enjoy the many other attractions in the area.

AiG’s Mark Looy (center) flanked by Board Chair Jack Brandt and CEO Eric Summe of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau with the Star of Tourism Award. Photo by Mark Hansel.

I rejoice that even the “secular world” is noticing and acknowledging AiG’s attractions in such a public way. Privately, several hotel and restaurant owners pulled Mark and Mike aside and told them that their business has increased much more since the Ark opened last July. One person reminded us that her former hotel was saved from closing several years ago because our Creation Museum guests were starting to pour in!

Here is an article that tells more about last night’s event and award.

The Star of Tourism Award

Of course, the greatest impact of AiG’s first-class attractions will not be an economic one. Each year hundreds of thousands of non-Christians will be visiting them and hearing the gospel. Though we are happy to help boost a remarkable number of new jobs and businesses in the region, the real benefit we want to see is souls saved for eternity.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.