Updated Louisville Visitor Information Center Reopens

As tourism returns to Louisville, bringing visitors back to distilleries and museums this summer, groups could now stop in at the freshly updated Louisville Visitor Information Center—the VIC—at 301 S. 4th Street.

July 1, 2020, marked the first day the VIC reopened to the public after closing in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just prior to the outbreak, the VIC underwent a facelift to refresh and update visitor displays—complete with a new brochure and recipe wall featuring dishes and libations prominent in Louisville's Southern culinary heritage, as featured in Louisville Tourism's Bourbon & Biscuits web series.

Right as Kentucky's Gov. Andy Beshear has authorized a phased reopening, the VIC is following suit with the goal of expanding store hours and capacity over time, subject to change depending on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and governor guidelines.

The VIC is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., and limits the number of in-store shoppers and staff. The center enforces 6 feet of social distancing in the store, requires staff and guests to wear cloth masks, and is implementing additional safety measures—including shield guards at the register and increased sanitation and disinfecting procedures. The VIC will look at expanding store hours and days, come September.

In addition to these safety measures, walk-up and curbside ordering—and complimentary grab-and-go information bags, stuffed with brochures and other city info—will be available to those who prefer not to enter the store.

"As the face of the city for tourism information, it's a priority to greet our guests and locals," said Susan Pass, Louisville Tourism Visitor Information Manager. "We want the community to know we're open and ready to assist them in their visitor experience."

Karen Williams, President & CEO, Louisville Tourism, notes they're optimistic about the return of tourists to Louisville and want to do their part to safely welcome guests.

"As our community works to readjust to the rapidly evolving changes in our lives, we understand reopening needs to be done cautiously by adhering to CDC and the governor's health guidelines," Williams said. "As the third-largest industry in Louisville—supporting over 27,000 local jobs—tourism is at the forefront as one of Louisville's key economic drivers."

The VIC, originally slated to reopen on June 17, faced a setback after damage was incurred during a weekend of social reform protests.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism.