RICHMOND, Ky. (FOX 56) — The numbers are in, but the biggest winner of the Kentucky Derby is the economy.
“So when a tourist visits a destination, they need a place to stay, food and drink, and transportation. These are the three main aspects when a tourist visits a destination,” said EKU Assistant Professor Dr. Daeguen Kim said.
Tourism experts expect record amounts to be brought in between Oaks Day and the Derby. It is expected to bring in an estimated $405 million.
“So we expect a lot of tourists to bring big bucks to Kentucky. And they’re not only coming here to experience the Derby itself, but to experience Kentucky bourbon and Louisville. So there are a lot of aspects that the Kentucky Derby could bring to Kentucky’s tourism industry,” Kim said.
More than 150,000 people from around the world are expected to attend the 150th Derby.
Bourbon author and educator Susan Reigler thinks this weekend could be the biggest bourbon sale of the year.
“It’s bursting at the seams at that point. And there’s a lot of booze flowing that day. Woodford Reserve, of course, is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and the regular $1,500 mint julep, which goes to horse charities. It’s a really good thing. They do it every year and they certainly have a lot of supporters, which is great,” Reigler said.
And with the addition of sports betting, tourism experts believe it could be an even bigger economic boost for the state.
