Kentucky is celebrating its best year ever for tourisms in 2025, with $14.6 billion generated in economic impact supporting 96,993 jobs and securing four straight record years for the industry, Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday.
The Governor joined state tourism leaders at The Ashbrook Hotel in Frankfort to celebrate tourism’s crucial role in the Commonwealth’s 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 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.
Spending breakdown:
• $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.”
The complete economic impact and jobs by county is available online.
For more information or to view the full economic impact report, please visit kentuckytourism.com/industry.
Governor’s Office