KY tourism generates over $15 billion in 2017; Butler records over $6 million in total tourist spending

Wed, 05/09/2018 - 9:19am — John Embry

FRANKFORT - The economic impact of Kentucky’s tourism industry has grown to more than $15 billion in 2017, Department of Tourism Commissioner Kristen Branscum announced Monday in a state news release. All nine of the state’s tourism regions registered gains again in 2017.

In Butler County, tourism-related spending in 2017 saw an increase of 4.7 percent over 2016. According to state statistics, 2017 tourist activity (direct tourist spending) in Butler County generated $3,858,940; total tourist spending was reported at $6,066,254.

For a more complete picture of tourism activity in Butler County for 2017, please click on the following link:

2017 Butler County Fact Sheet corrected.pdf

“The tourism industry is a driving force for Kentucky’s economy and the 2017 economic impact numbers reinforce this,” Branscum said. “We look at growth in our state in terms of investment and the impact numbers prove that visitors are investing their money and time into Kentucky.”

Kentucky's tourism industry generated over $15 billion in economic impact during 2017, an increase of 3.8 percent over the previous year. The industry also supported over 195,000 jobs. Kentucky tourism generated more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue, with $202 million going directly to local communities.

The Kentucky Department of Tourism continues to build upon Kentucky’s signature tourism industries of horses, bourbon, music, arts, outdoors and culinary to reach new audiences and position Kentucky as a top-tier travel destination for visitors internationally and domestically.

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Kentucky Press News Service

Date: 05-07-2018

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