The annual survey of tourism spending in Kentucky shows a 3.1 percent increase in Warren County in 2017, bringing the total to $449.2 million, up from $435.7 million in 2016. Of the nine state tourism regions, the 10-county Caves, Lakes & Corvettes region, in which Warren is included, saw an increase in total tourism expenditures of 4.4 percent, equaling $740.1 million.
“Tourism plays a vital role in the economic health of Warren County,” said Vicki Fitch, Executive Director of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’re pleased that the industry continues to make such a positive impact on our community. Our tourism industry is successful because of the dedicated employees of area attractions, hotels, restaurants and stores who make sure that visitors feel welcome and have wonderful experiences while they are here. We’re grateful to their hard work in making Bowling Green and Warren County wonderful places to both visit and live.”
An astronomical event brought thousands of tourists to Bowling Green in August 2017. The solar eclipse brought visitors from around the country, many of whom visited Bowling Green for the first time. Automotive events at Beech Bend Raceway Park and the National Corvette Museum’s Motorsports Park help drive tourism, as well.
In 2017 in Warren County, tourism created $6,050,924 in local tax revenue and $40,987,279 in state tax revenue. The industry supported 4,607 jobs, producing worker income of $99,040,252.
On an average 2017 day, visitors spent $783,044 and generated $128,872 in combined state and local tax revenues.
Tourism is one of Kentucky’s top industries, with an annual economic impact in 2017 of more than $15 billion, an increase of 3.8 percent over the previous year. The industry was responsible for more than 195,000 jobs.
Over $1.5 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments was generated by tourism in 2017. The economic impact is released annually during National Travel & Tourism Week, which is being recognized May 7-11 this year.
The survey was produced for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet by Certec Inc. of Versailles. A full report of tourism economic impact study is available at www.kentuckytourism.com/industry. For more about Kentucky tourism, please visit www.kentuckytourism.com.