The numbers are in, and 2025 was announced as another record-breaking year for Kentucky tourism’s economic impact at Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update.
In 2025, tourism generated $14.6 billion in economic impact, and Governor Andy Beshear says this is the fourth consecutive year where tourism records continue to be topped.
According to the Governor’s Office, 81.1 million travelers visited Kentucky last year and spent $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.
Beshear says the record is further proof that Kentucky is a world-class destination, and he now looks forward to breaking it for a fifth straight year.
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier says the tourism industry continues to be an economic powerhouse for the commonwealth, and the impact can’t be denied.
The tourism industry also supported nearly 97,000 jobs. In 2024, Kentucky generated $14.3 billion.