LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nearly 80 million people visited Kentucky last year, a 4.5% increase from the year prior, according to a new report on the state’s tourism industry.
Tourism Economics’ latest report, released in March, found the commonwealth generated a record $13.8 billion from tourism in 2023. Nearly a third of that came from Jefferson County.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said Louisville has become a “world-class destination,” adding the city’s tourism industry produced more than $4.2 billion last year.
“People from all over the globe are taking notice and visiting our city to experience everything we have to offer,” Greenberg said in a weekly update last week. “But what makes Louisville even more special are the amazing people in our hospitality industry who made [the] success possible!”
Louisville Tourism said the city welcomes 19 million people every year but is looking to attract 25 million visitors by 2030.
“Louisville experienced record-breaking numbers in 2023 throughout our local tourism industry from the Muhammad Ali International Airport’s passenger volume to the largest rock festival attendance in the country alongside area attractions celebrating unparalleled visitation,” Louisville Tourism CEO and President Cleo Battle said.
According to the new report, more than 95,000 Kentuckians work in tourism across the state.
In Jefferson County, Kentucky’s Department of Tourism said more than 27,000 residents work in tourism-related jobs.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said tourism remains an integral part of the state's economy. He also said this is the second straight record-breaking year for Kentucky tourism.
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