Regional kiosk project recognized for driving significant increases in website traffic and visitor engagement
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY (April 24, 2026) — Two Lake Cumberland tourism organizations were recognized on a national stage last week for innovation in destination marketing and visitor engagement.
Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission in Russell County and Lake Cumberland Tourism in Somerset-Pulaski County received the Best Customer Engagement Excellence Award during the 2026 eTSY Awards, presented April 16 as part of the eTourism Summit at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
Of the 25 awards announced, this was the only one given to an organization in Kentucky.
The annual eTSY Awards recognize excellence in digital tourism marketing, honoring destinations and tourism organizations that are setting new standards in how they attract, engage and convert visitors through innovative strategy and measurable results.
The Lake Cumberland organizations earned the award for their joint submission, “Touchpoint to Traffic: A Kiosk Engagement Success Story,” which highlighted a collaborative initiative that deployed 32 interactive visitor kiosks across the five-county Lake Cumberland region, including Pulaski, Russell, Wayne, McCreary and Clinton counties. Funded in part through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) support awarded by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, the kiosks were strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including downtown locations, tourism offices, hotels, parks, marinas and event venues.
Designed to connect in-person visitors with digital trip-planning resources through QR codes, event promotions and real-time tourism information, the kiosks produced measurable results. Between October 2024 and March 2025, the campaign generated a combined 2,910 percent increase in website traffic and a 1,489 percent increase in engagement metrics, including longer time spent on websites, increased event page interactions and newsletter audience growth.
“This award is a tremendous honor because it recognizes that rural destinations can lead with innovation just as powerfully as any market in the country,” said Michelle Allen, executive director of Lake Cumberland Tourism. “We believed there was an opportunity to better connect visitors already enjoying our communities with everything else our region has to offer. To see that strategy recognized at this level is incredibly meaningful.”
Allen said the recognition also reflects the value of regional collaboration.
“When neighboring destinations work together, everyone wins,” she said. “This project created stronger results across multiple counties and reinforced Lake Cumberland as a premier travel destination.”
Danielle Wilson, executive director of Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission, said the award validates a visitor-first approach to marketing.
“Today’s traveler expects information to be immediate, helpful and easy to access,” Wilson said. “These kiosks met visitors where they already were and invited them to explore more, stay longer and engage with our communities. That is exactly what great destination marketing should do.”
Wilson added that receiving the honor among industry leaders from across the country is a proud moment for the region, positioning it as a forward-thinking destination that blends outdoor recreation, hospitality and modern tourism strategy to drive economic impact.
“To have Lake Cumberland recognized on this stage speaks volumes about the quality of work happening here,” she said. “Our communities continue proving that creativity and collaboration can compete anywhere.”
