Kentucky sees the best year for tourism in 2022, generating a high economic impact

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kentucky’s tourism business is booming, raking in more than $12 billion in 2022. South central Kentucky is shown to be a proven leader, as it continues to boost our economy.

Gov. Andy Beshear says, “Tourism is essential to Kentucky. It’s an industry that brings joy to families across the globe, including my own. But it also brings in good jobs, it boosts our economy, it supports our local communities, and the folks who fuel this industry in Kentucky, and work really hard for success in all of our communities.”

Attractions in our local community continue to draw in people from across the nation and neighboring counties.

Director of Edmonson Co. Tourism, Vanessa Ulm, says “In Southern Kentucky, when you come here, you’re going to get that southern hospitality. You’re going to get all those outdoor activities and adventures that you want, but you’re also coming to a place that is not overwhelming.”

Our unique landscape is filled with national and state parks, captivating views, underground adventures and learning opportunities.

“Bowling Green is special for so many reasons. We get a lot of people that come into town because they’re looking for that big city feel, without the big city bustle, and you tend to find that a lot in Bowling Green. We have a ton of interesting attractions that appeal to many people, and our town. The people within the community are also extremely authentic,” says Lauren Guess, communication director of Visit BGKY.

One key to the success of south central Kentucky tourism is our location. Whether it’s your destination along Interstate 65, or a surprise pit-stop on your journey.

Guess says, “We’re looking to continue to attract those unexpected visitors, those visitors that come in and may not necessarily know about Bowling Green. They may be traveling through the area, visiting family, [or] just driving through to somewhere else, and they stop in and they’re like, Bowling Green’s amazing I didn’t realize there was so much to do here.”

Local or visitor, tourism impacts the lives of every Kentuckian, and southern Kentucky is happy to have you.