Earlier this week in Lexington, Governor Andy Beshear met with an entourage of some of the state’s leaders in regional tourism — delivering good news about the state’s recent boom in local, regional, national and international visitors.
According to leaders in Christian County, visitor spending and visitation growth once again broke records in 2022 — a sign of a true rebound post COVID.
Economic impact figures show visitors to the area spent more than $237 million last year, and that’s $24 million more than the $213 million record previously set in 2021.
Brooke Jung, Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s executive director, said her office is “constantly hearing from visitors about what wonderful experiences they have, while exploring all facets” of the community. She also said she looks forward to the continued promotion of all things Hopkinsville and Christian County, and what they have to offer — which includes craft bourbon distilleries, destination weddings, business travelers, festival-goers, general vacationers, and a continued interest in the “Batter Capital of the World” initiative.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that Summer Salute is quickly approaching, with a strong two-night musical lineup that includes Starship with Mickey Thomas, as well as The Commodores.
Meanwhile, the city of Oak Grove can’t stay out of the news, particularly as state officials have begun the countdown to legalized sports gambling.
Traci Cunningham, tourism commission executive director for south Christian County berg, said record attendance to award-winning festivals has contributed to economic impact numbers, and Oak Grove Racing and Gaming is one of the “many attractions” in the community to have bolstered the local tourism industry.
She said she hears from visitors from “all over the world, about what a great experience they have in Oak Grove, and how they intend to spread the word.”
Christian County not only saw an increase in tourism spending, but also tourism-related employment. More than 1,790 related jobs were reported in the hospitality sector last year — up from the 1,640-plus the previous. This accounted for more than $45.8 million in labor income, and more than $15.7 million was generated in state and local taxes.
In 2022, Kentucky generated more than $12.9 billion in visitor spending.
More data surrounding the News Edge listening area will come in the following days.
