About Us
Learn about the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau
In 1979, Murray's City Council created the Murray Tourism Commission. The office did not become full-time until the late 1990s. In 2007, the name of the organization was changed to the Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau to reflect the vision of the organization. The mission of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase overnight stays in Murray through tourism and events, such as conferences and sporting events. For the visitors, we provide materials before arrival and during their stay, in addition to helping them plan activities and find appropriate accommodations.
The CVB also works closely with other community organizations to increase the economic impact in Murray and Calloway County. A convention & visitors bureau does not organize meetings, festivals or conventions. Our goal is to guide meeting planners, festival hosts and visitors to the attractions and services that will create a positive experience in Murray. We assist groups with meeting preparations before and during their meetings, assisting in securing accommodations and providing suggestions on the best use of services.
The Murray CVB is a quasi-governmental entity, authorized by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 91A.350) and established by the City of Murray. By state statute, hotels collect a four percent transient tax from guests. That revenue goes to the Murray CVB for operations and marketing of the city of Murray. Our budget currently averages $290,000 a year. In addition to marketing the city of Murray, the CVB staff plan and execute Freedom Fest, Murray's Fourth of July celebration. Citywide Yard Sale, a fundraiser for Freedom Fest, is also organized by the CVB. The Visitors Center is located downtown at 206 South 4th Street. Visitors and locals alike are welcome to visit the Bureau to find the most up-to-date information on community happenings and to browse the wide array of brochures available.
Photos by Ava Munsey Photography
Board of Directors
The Murray CVB Board meetings are the last Wednesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m at the Murray CVB.
Priyesh Nathu, President
Brock Rydecki, Secretary
Rich Lake, Vice President
Lacosta Bean Hays
Darren Yates, Treasurer
Tonya Wetherington
Leslie Pologruto