Bowling Green tourism helps Kentucky surpass previous tourism spend record

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - Governor Andy Beshear announced the 2024 economic impact of Kentucky’s tourism industry, and the Bowling Green and Warren County Area contributed a significant part to it.

Tourism in Bowling Green and Warren County contributed $479.8 million in economic impact, with $358.75 million of visitor spend. The total was greater than 2023′s record-breaking numbers and contributed close to 4,000 jobs in Warren County.

Sherry Murphy, the executive director of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the city is proud to see the continuing growth in Bowling Green tourism.

“This success is no accident. Despite various challenges our community has faced in years past, we have shown remarkable resilience through strong partnerships and collaboration across our entire hospitality community. From hotels and restaurants to unique attractions, event venues, and local shops, everyone plays a vital role in creating memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back. More and more people are choosing Bowling Green, and that is a powerful sign of the strength and vitality of our tourism industry and local economy,” Murphy said.

“We’ve seen firsthand how tourism continues to uplift Bowling Green’s local economy, and the growth is both exciting and well-earned,” said Jamie Johnson, executive director of the Historic RailPark & Train Museum in a release. “With the addition of the Trolley Tours and Unseen BG Tours, our team has worked hard to expand what we offer and give visitors more ways to connect with our city’s rich history. Attractions like ours are not just places to visit. They help drive spending throughout the community. Whether it’s a family grabbing lunch after a tour or travelers booking overnight stays, every visit supports our hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. We’re honored to contribute to this community’s success and proud to be part of a tourism story that continues to build momentum.”

This increase from last year represents more travelers choosing Bowling Green as their travel destination.

The impact survey was produced for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet by Tourism Economics, the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s research partner. For more information and to view the full economic impact report, please visit kentuckytourism.com/industry.

This record-breaking year underscores Bowling Green’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination in Kentucky. To learn more about Bowling Green, visit www.visitbgky.com.

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