Kentucky tourism generated an economic impact of roughly $13.1 billion in 2014, according to survey results released this week by the state’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Tourism spending increased in all nine of the state's tourism regions, with the greatest increase of 6.7 percent noted in the Caves, Lakes and Corvettes Region in the south-central part of the state. Direct expenditures by tourists in the state accounted for more than $8.3 billion of the $13.1 billion total, representing a 4.4 percent increase over the previous year.
“The economic impact from tourism in Kentucky has increased by more than $2.2 billion and 13,000 jobs over the last five years,” Gov. Steve Beshear said in a news release. “That translates to more spending and jobs in small and large communities across the state.”
In the central Kentucky region that includes Fayette County, known as the Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon & Boone Region, direct tourism expenditures rose 3.9 percent in 2014, to $1.83 billion from $1.76 billion. In Fayette County alone, direct tourism expenditures increased from $1.18 billion in 2013 to $1.23 billion in 2014. Total tourism expenditures in Fayette County climbed closer to the $2 billion mark, increasing from $1.86 billion in 2013 to $1.93 billion in 2014.
“These numbers confirm what we are seeing in Lexington,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX. “Tourism thrives in Fayette County, with travel expenditures of nearly $2 billion. Our room revenue (alone) for 2014 was up just over 4 percent. We look forward to even greater gains this year when we host the 2015 Breeders’ Cup in October.”
The number of jobs supported by tourism in the state increased by 4,217, to 179,963 in 2014. Those jobs generated an estimated $2.9 billion in wages, which represented an increase of roughly $123 million over 2013. In addition, tourism generated an estimated $1.37 billion in local and state tax revenues in 2014.
“Locally, we all benefit from the visitors and meeting attendees that travel to Lexington,” Ramer said. “It’s more than just the money spent on lodging and dining and entertainment. Tourism creates jobs and helps keep Lexington an exciting and fulfilling place to live. There is so much energy in our city right now. Visitors pick up on that and spread the word to family and friends.”