Henderson County contributes to record year for Kentucky tourism

Henderson County contributes to record year for Kentucky tourism

2022 economic impact report signals Henderson County tourism is in growth mode

Aug. 9, 2023 (Henderson, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear announced on Tuesday a record year for Kentucky tourism, with $12.9 billion spent by visitors to the state in 2022. Tourism in Henderson County continues an upward trend post-pandemic, according to the report commissioned for the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet by Tourism Economics, the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s research partner.

In 2022, total spending by visitors to Henderson County generated $55.5 million in direct spending and $85.8 million in total spending, an increase over the $53 million in direct spending and $81.9 million in total spending reported in 2021. Numbers reported in 2022 represent an 11% increase over 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.

“Our local tourism industry is without a doubt in growth mode,” said Abby Dixon, executive director of the Henderson Tourist Commission. “We’re looking towards the future with optimism as we celebrate the opening and expansion of new restaurants, shops, and event venues that make our destination unique, expanded opportunities at historic Ellis Park, and the 2024 opening of Henderson Distilling Co., all in our idyllic river town setting. Our hospitality partners continue to demonstrate that our potential to attract visitors to spend time and dollars in our community is limitless.”

The impact of tourism in Henderson County is measured by more than total visitor spending alone. A total of 575 tourism-related jobs were reported in Henderson County, and, subsequently, generated $16.65 million in labor income. In addition, $6.4 million was generated in state and local taxes as a result of visitor spending.

Using the Tourism Economics model, the economic impact of the tourism industry in Kentucky generated $12.9 billion in visitor spending in 2022, supporting more than 91,668 jobs and $936.7 million in state and local taxes. For more information and to view the full economic impact report, please visit kentuckytourism.com/industry.