Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined other Kentucky officials, including Tourism Secretary Lindy Casebier and Beshear Senior Advisor Lockie Adkins, in Newport on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate tourism successes across the region. I visited On the Embankment.
Officials touted how for 25 years Northern Kentucky’s hotels, restaurants and attractions, like the Newport Aquarium, have allowed guests from all over the world to experience the region’s wonders while fostering economic development. .
“We’re talking about $12.9 billion in economic impact,” Beshear said. “Think about how many lives are impacted in Kentucky…Tourism provides 91,668 jobs for Kentuckians.”
Kentucky Governor Beshear, standing next to Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY, officially declared May 19-25 as the Commonwealth’s National Travel and Tourism Week. It is being raised.Haley Rhoden | Link
From left to right: Kentucky Governor Beshear, Tourism Secretary Lindy Casebier, and Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins.Haley Rhoden | Link
Newport Aquarium’s fuzzy dwarf lionfish shows off its beautiful (but highly poisonous) fins.Haley Rhoden | Link
The Cincinnati skyline comes into view as Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins gives his greetings.Haley Rhoden | Link
Tourism Minister Lindy Kazbier highlights some of NKY’s economic improvements and achievements to date.Haley Rhoden | Link
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recognizes all of the hardworking people who have worked together to make NKY a leading national tourist attraction.Haley Rhoden | Link
Sharks of all shapes and sizes swim above guests’ heads, like this spotted eagle ray.Haley Rhoden | Link 
Newport Mayor Tom Giduguri Jr. speaks about the importance of connectivity in NKY and thanks Team Kentucky for their continued support.Haley Rhoden | Link 
Newport Aquarium staff take in a penguin named “Randy.”Haley Rhoden | Link
Randy the Penguin wiggles in his handler’s hands as the crowd cheers him on.Haley Rhoden | Link
Yes, cheese! Randy the penguin smiles at the camera.Haley Rhoden | Link
Newport Aquarium Executive Director Rebecca Foster celebrates the aquarium’s 25th anniversary in tourism.Haley Rhoden | Link
The founder, co-owner and CEO of New Riff Distilling thanked Governor Beshear and spoke about the importance of Kentucky’s bourbon industry.Haley Rhoden | Link
Guests walk beneath a 360-degree aquarium filled with sharks, fish, and more.Haley Rhoden | Link
Mayor Guidugiri Jr., Mr. Beshear and Lindy Kazbier sample New Riff Distilling’s new bourbon.Haley Rhoden | Link
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear poses for a photo with several community members after the declaration.Haley Rhoden | Link
One of Newport Aquarium’s many attractions is the moon jellyfish, which glows in the dark under blue lights.Haley Rhoden | Link
The event, hosted by meetNKY, kicked off National Travel and Tourism Week with an official proclamation from Beshear and meetNKY President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick, designating May 19-25 as federal National Travel and Tourism Week. Ta.
Several special guests were also in attendance, including Newport Aquarium Executive Director Rebecca Foster and New Riff Distillery founder Ken Lewis.
But the crowd favorite was African penguin Randy, who was brought out by aquarium staff to stand next to Foster throughout the presentation.
“Twenty million guests have experienced the aquarium, whether they came with friends, family, school, or anyone else. That’s something we’re very proud of,” Foster said.
After the presentation, Beshear, Team Kentucky and members of the media were invited to tour the aquarium and the new octopus exhibit, “Ring of Fire.”
“They are [New Riff], this aquarium, this whole Newport on the levee are great Team Kentucky partners, and they’re great Team Northern Kentucky partners,” Beshear said. “So it’s easy to see why people come to this area, your area.”
