Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Tourism Celebrates 2025
as Best Year Ever for Economic Impact,
Marking 4th Straight Record Year
$14.6 billion generated in economic impact last year, supporting 96,993 jobs
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 10, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 2025 was the best year ever for Kentucky tourism, with $14.6 billion generated in economic impact supporting 96,993 jobs, securing four straight record years for the industry.
The Governor joined state tourism leaders at The Ashbrook Hotel in Frankfort to celebrate tourism’s crucial role in the commonwealth’s booming economy.
“Another historic record-breaking year for tourism is more proof that we’re reigniting the American Dream in Kentucky by creating jobs, driving investment and fueling economic growth across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Whether it’s our bourbon, horse racing, state parks, main streets or big events, tourism is creating opportunities in our communities and showing people why our New Kentucky Home is the perfect place to visit, work and live.”
According to a study by Tourism Economics, 81.1 million travelers visited Kentucky in 2025, an increase of 1.1 million from the previous year. Those travelers spent a total of $10.4 billion across the state, a $300 million increase from 2024. The breakdown of spending is as follows:
- $2.7 billion on food and beverages;
- $2.4 billion on lodging;
- $2 billion on transportation;
- $1.9 billion on retail; and
- $1.4 billion on recreation and entertainment.
“The tourism industry continues to be an economic powerhouse for our commonwealth, and the impact can’t be denied,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “In a time of rapidly advancing technology and AI, people crave authenticity and hands-on experiences. That’s why they are coming to our New Kentucky Home: to taste bourbon from the source, to hike the trails of our Kentucky State Parks, to shop for hand-crafted items at places like the Kentucky Artisan Center, to explore Kentucky Main Street communities or to try restaurants in the new Historic Dining Guide.”
“Despite the headwinds we are experiencing with international travel, we are pleased to have been able to successfully pivot and drive more domestic visitation throughout 2025,” said Kentucky Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot. “This fourth consecutive record is a testament to the hard work of our local tourism offices and attractions that consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for travelers every day.”
“Tourism is about more than visitation – it’s about telling Kentucky’s story. A strong tourism industry highlights our people, our culture and our authentic visitor experiences,” said Louisville Tourism CEO Cleo Battle. “Visitation drives economic impact, leading to tourism investment and supporting a thriving future for Louisville and our state.”
“We are proud to host this exciting announcement at The Ashbrook, where Kentucky’s signature hospitality continues to shine,” said Jasen Fontaine, managing director of SBG Hospitality. “Time and again, our state proves itself as a premier destination rooted in warmth, culture, and unforgettable experiences.”
To see a full list of economic impact and jobs by county, click here.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last six years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Today’s announcement follows three previous record-breaking years: 2024, with $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 97,394 jobs; 2023, with more than $13.8 billion in economic impact; and 2022, with $12.9 million in economic impact.
In April, Gov. Beshear announced that 94 tourism marketing organizations across 82 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced five new tourism development projects, generating an estimated $118 million in economic investment. These projects are expected to create approximately 298 jobs when operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 37 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1.1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create more than 5,000 jobs. This is the highest tourism investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Additionally, the administration has invested $88.1 million in Kentucky’s tourism industry, including $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy and $13.1 million to strengthen promotional marketing efforts.
For more information or to view the full economic impact report, please visit kentuckytourism.com/industry.
###
|
