By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County ranks in the top 20 Kentucky counties for visitor spending based on 2024 numbers released by the governor’s office.
Governor Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky tourism had a record-breaking year in 2024 with $14.3 billion generated in economic impact supporting 97,394 jobs.
“Kentucky’s tourism industry is experiencing the biggest historic winning streak we’ve ever seen. Thanks to the hardworking people in this industry and Team Kentucky’s ongoing investment in tourism, we’re welcoming more people to our New Kentucky Home and celebrating three straight years of record-breaking economic impact,” Beshear said. “This win is more than just numbers; it’s about families creating lasting memories and our communities thriving. Together, we will keep this momentum going and showcase what makes Kentucky so special.”
Roughly 80 million people traveled throughout the commonwealth in 2024, according to the governor’s office.
Glasgow-Barren County Tourism took to social media to celebrate the announcement.
“From the depths of Mammoth Cave National Park to the heart of downtown Glasgow, we offer something unforgettable, and people are taking notice,” the tourism agency wrote.
In county-specific numbers, the office states, Barren County had 940 total employments, $25.5 million in labor income, $9.6 million in state and local tax revenues and $119.2 million in spending.
Executive Director MacLean Lessenberry expressed her excitement at the news, writing that “proud never even begins to cover it.”
“[T]hanks to the hard work of our Glasgow-Barren County Tourism team, phenomenal hospitality partners, and our incredible community, Barren County continues to stand out among Kentucky’s best,” Lessenberry wrote.
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