Lexington, KY – The economic impact of tourism in Kentucky amounted to more than $12.5 billion in 2013, a 2.6 percent increase over 2012 according to a release from the state’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
“The continued popularity of bourbon and a steady uptick in the meetings and conventions sector will be important for our ability to attract even more visitors to Kentucky this year,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Bob Stewart. “The opening of the new convention center in Owensboro; the reopening of Kentucky Kingdom later this month; the return of normal water level at Lake Cumberland and the fact we are hosting the PGA Championship, which brings with it tremendous television coverage, all point to a great opportunity for growth this year.”
The annual survey also showed that tourism was responsible for 175,746 jobs in Kentucky in 2013 – an increase of 1,740 jobs from the previous year. These jobs generated more than $2.8 billion in wages for Kentucky workers, an increase of nearly $72 million from 2012.
Tourism generated $1.3 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments in 2013, up from 2012’s total of $1.23 billion. Seven of the state’s nine tourism regions showed gains in 2013.