2023 marked a new record year for tourism in the Bluegrass State.
Recent data shows the tourism industry generated $13.8 billion in economic impact and more than 95,000 jobs across the state in 2023.
Welcoming Visitors To Kentucky
According to a study by Tourism Economics, 79.3 million travelers visited Kentucky in 2023, a 4.5% increase from 2022.
Those travelers spent a total of $9.7 billion across the state.
“Our economy and our tourism industry are booming. More and more people want to visit Kentucky for our world-class destinations and events – creating more experiences for their families while generating jobs for Kentuckians,” said Governor Beshear. “Kentucky is on the biggest tourism and economic roll of our lifetime, and this is a direct result of Team Kentucky’s hard work and investments in building a thriving, welcoming tourism industry. Together, we will continue to expand this success and welcome visitors to experience the natural beauty and warm hospitality of our new Kentucky home.”
The breakdown of spending is as follows:
$2.54 billion on food and beverage
$2.28 billion on lodging
$1.86 billion on transportation
$1.82 billion on retail
$1.26 billion on recreation and entertainment
“Tourism in Kentucky is thriving thanks to the leadership of Governor Beshear, the hard work of our communities, large and small, and the world-class destinations that welcome visitors to the commonwealth,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Today’s numbers emphasize the importance of tourism to Kentucky’s economy and the impact created by all of our local partners. Tourism is economic development that creates jobs, investment and transformative experiences while improving quality of life for all Kentuckians.”
Travel and tourism In Fayette County set a record in 2023 of $1.6 billion, which is a more than nine percent growth over 2022.
Tourism in Fayette County generated more than $126 million in state and local tax revenue and employed more than 11,000 people.
“Those record-breaking numbers are a reflection of a lot of hard work from all of our hospitality employees and business owners, as well as the strategic sales, marketing, services and media efforts of the VisitLEX team,” said VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer. “This milestone is a great tribute to local and state partnerships, local attractions, and the entire community, which always welcomes visitors with true hospitality. This growth is important for everyone in Lexington because tourism has a major impact on our local economy by supporting our local businesses and attractions. It also improves our quality of life.”
Lexington accounts for 12 percent of the state tourism impact.
Visitors From Around The World
The Governor’s announcement of 2023 being the best year on record for tourism follows a record-breaking 2022, when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and created more than 91,000 jobs in Kentucky that year.
“We are thrilled to break another economic impact record, thanks to this administration’s investments and the hard work of our staff and tourism partners,” said Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot. “The effect tourism has on our communities across the state is significant and essential. With no plans to slow down, we look forward to building on this success and are excited to support the tourism initiatives launching this year.”
The recovery of international visitors continued its longer trajectory to pre-pandemic levels.
The number of international visitors grew 55% in 2023, while international visitor spending increased 70%.
To see the full 2023 Kentucky Tourism Economic Impact Report, click here.
