Kentucky had another record-breaking year for tourism in 2023. Approximately 79.3 million tourists visited Kentucky in 2023, generating more than $13.8 billion in economic impact. This is a 4.5% increase over 2022, which also saw record-breaking tourism. Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement Thursday at Castle and Key Distillery in Frankfort. “Tourists visited our businesses and attractions, spent $9.7 billion, and stayed in our state,” Governor Beshear said. Of that $9.7 billion in spending, $2.54 billion was spent in the food and beverage sector. Governor Beshear points out the success of the bourbon industry. Bourbon can be found in both rural and urban areas, but large cities had the largest economic impact from tourism. Jefferson County had an economic impact of $4.2 billion, followed by Fayette County (Lexington) and Warren County (Bowling Green) with $1.6 billion and $477 million, respectively. Governor Beshear expressed his gratitude to all Kentuckians who contributed to this effort. “We have it all here in Kentucky, and the numbers show it. We’ve seen success in every community across our state,” said Governor Beshear. “You’re helping to welcome visitors to our state, create unforgettable memories, and keep them coming back to our state, so we want to say thank you.”
Kentucky —
Kentucky is on track for another record-breaking tourism year in 2023.
Approximately 79.3 million tourists visited Kentucky in 2023, generating more than $13.8 billion in economic impact, a 4.5% increase over 2022, which saw record-breaking tourism numbers.
Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement Thursday at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort.
“Tourists came and visited our businesses and attractions, and they spent $9.7 billion that stayed in our communities,” Beshear said.
Of that $9.7 billion in spending, $2.54 billion went to the food and beverage sector, with Beshear pointing to the success of the bourbon industry.
While bourbon can be found in rural and urban areas, it’s the larger cities that saw the biggest economic impact from tourism: Jefferson County had an economic impact of $4.2 billion, followed by Fayette (Lexington) and Warren (Bowling Green) counties with $1.6 billion and $477 million, respectively.
Governor Beshear expressed his gratitude to all Kentuckians who contributed to this effort.
“Here in Kentucky, we have it all, and the numbers prove it. We’re seeing success in every community across our state,” said Governor Beshear. “You’re helping to welcome visitors to our state, create unforgettable memories, and keep them coming back, so I want to say thank you.”
