STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that 2025 was the best year ever for Kentucky tourism, with $14.6 billion generated in economic impact supporting nearly 97,000 jobs, which represents four straight record years for the industry.
“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,” Beshear said in the press release. “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.”
81.1 million travelers visited Kentucky in 2025, according to a study by Tourism Economics. This was an increase of 1.1 million from 2024. Visitors spent a total of $10.4 billion across the state, a $300 million increase from the previous year — $2.7 billion was 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.
Lindy Casebier, the tourism, arts and heritage cabinet secretary, said in the press release that the tourism industry “continues to be an economic powerhouse for our commonwealth, and the impact can’t be denied.”
“In a time of rapidly advancing technology and AI, people crave authenticity and hands-on experiences,” she said. “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 Historic Dining Guide.”
Jessie Cooper, a spokesperson for Mammoth Cave National Park, told Cave City tourism members this week that the cave saw an increase in visitors compared to last year.
She said total cave and surface visitation for this year is 13 percent higher than in 2025.
“Very positive numbers,” Cooper said. “We’re excited about those.”
