The economic impact of the Kentucky Derby

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Derby is often referred to as an economic engine for the Commonwealth, and this year is no different.

According to NBC, this year’s race saw record-breaking audiences reaching millions. The annual event doesn’t just impact Louisville.

Carrie Cavitt, community relations coordinator at Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, says, “It’s also really cool because even though Bowling Green doesn’t host the derby, we still have a lot of businesses that love to get in on the fun. So you’ll see lots of restaurants that will have mint juleps, and you’ll see boutiques that are selling fascinators. So it’s a really great way for them to get in on, you know, the derby because it’s a part of Kentucky culture at this point.”

Not only did hotels reach 90 percent occupancy, but franchises and local businesses also capitalized on the annual event and got in on the action.

Cavitt says, “It’s really important for our local businesses to keep trying to, you know, find new ways to promote it because, importantly, it’s really fun for our community to get in on this action. But also, it’s really cool to let visitors see that it’s something that we’re so proud of, that so many businesses are proud to represent that and proud to show it. You know, on a national and, you know, international stage. ”

Showcasing state pride on an international level amplifies the global appeal and the significant benefits and increase in local spending..

“The economic impact of the derby is really phenomenal for Kentucky, and it also puts Kentucky on a world stage. I mean, we have lots of international travelers who would go to Louisville to see the derby. But alongside that, you’re getting a lot of people who are staying in hotels overnight, who are eating at local restaurants, who are shopping at local places, and more importantly, just enjoying Kentucky as a whole.”