By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Today, May 30, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 2023 marked a new record year for Kentucky tourism, with $13.8 billion generated in economic impact and 95,222 jobs, as tourism remains a key piece of the commonwealth’s booming economy. The Governor joined state tourism leaders at Castle & Key Distillery to celebrate the second straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky.
“Our economy and our tourism industry are booming,” Beshear said. “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. 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.”
According to a study by Tourism Economics, 79.3 million travelers visited Kentucky in 2023, a 4.5 percent increase from 2022. Those travelers spent a total of $9.7 billion across the state. 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, and
$1.26 billion on recreation and entertainment.
According to the Kentucky Department of Tourism 2023 Economic Impact Report Barren County had 987 reported as the employment total,b$25.9 million in labor income, $9.7 million in state and local taxes and $121.1 million in spending.
MacLean Lessenberry, executive director of the Glasgow-Barren County Tourist & Convention Commission, and Tina Wood, director of Administrative Services, were among those who attended the announcement at the Castle & Key distillery in Frankfort. Lessenberry said she is happy to see tourism totals continue to rise.
“These numbers are a cemented testament that are numbers previously were not just coming back from COVID; this is here to stay,” Lessenberry said. “People are excited about travel and Kentucky. Outdoor adventure is on the map for the future and we’re the outdoor adventure capital of Kentucky so [there are] good things ahead for Barren County and the surrounding areas.”
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 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Portions of this information was obtained through a Office of Governor Andy Beshear press release.
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