Bowling Green, Ky. - May 6, 2014 - In keeping with a statewide trend, the annual survey of tourism spending in Kentucky shows a 3.2 percent increase in Warren County in 2013, bringing the total to $365.2 million, up from $353.6 million in 2012. The release of the figures coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated May 3-11 this year.

The ten-county Caves, Lakes & Corvettes Region in which Warren is included saw an increase in direct tourism expenditures equaling $370,292,046, adding an overall amount of $582,099,096 in total expenditures to the region’s economy. All ten counties saw increases in 2012.

Tourism is one of Kentucky’s top industries, with an annual economic impact in 2013 of more than $12.5 billion, an increase of 2.6 percent from 2012. The industry was responsible for 175,746 jobs, up 1,740 jobs from 2012. These jobs generated more than $2.8 billion in wages for Kentucky workers, an increase of $72 million from 2012.

“We’re glad to learn Warren County and the ten-county Caves, Lakes & Corvettes Region both saw gains in travel spending in 2013,” Vicki Fitch, Executive Director of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “We continue to put more efforts into growing our online presence to capture the traveler where they are spending more time and it’s definitely working.”

Tourism generated $1.3 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments in 2013, an increase from $1.2 billion in 2012.  Seven of the nine tourism regions showed gains for 2013.

“Our tourism industry continues to grow because Kentucky has stunning natural beauty, interesting and exciting attractions, and world class hospitality that make our visitors want to come back over and over again,” Gov. Beshear said.  “Its growth is also evidence of the hard work of tourism businesses and the professionals who work hard each and every day to make Kentucky the great destination it is.”

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 are available at http://www.kentuckytourism.com/industry

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To learn more about Kentucky tourism, please visit http://www.kentuckytourism.com

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CONTACT:
Telia Butler                 
Public Relations Coordinator, Bowling Green Area CVB
telia@visitbgky.com; 270-782-0800