The 2015 Economic Impact of Kentucky Tourism Report shows an increase in tourism spending in McCracken County with direct tourism expenditures totaling $223,590,307, an increase of 5.4% from 2014.

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and Tourism, Arts & Heritage Secretary Don Parkinson released the annual report on May 10 in Louisville which cites that the statewide travel and tourism industry added $13.7 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2015. Direct expenditures by tourists account for over $8.7 billion of this total, an increase of 5% since 2014.

“Visitor spending continues to increase and contribute to the vitality of the economy in Paducah-McCracken County by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenues,” said Mary Hammond, Paducah Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “The recognition of Paducah's heritage and culture as a UNESCO Creative City continues to drive awareness and visitation from around the globe.”

The major findings of the 2015 study follow:

·       All nine of the state’s tourism regions showed gains in revenue between 2014 and 105. The largest increase occurred in the Caves, Lakes & Corvettes region (6.9%) followed by the Western Waterlands region (5.8%) which includes Paducah.

·       A total of 186,204 jobs in Kentucky resulted from the industry in 2015, an increase of 6,241 jobs from the previous year. These jobs generated more than $3.1 billion in wages for Kentucky workers, an increase of $146 million from 2014.

·       Tourism generated $1.43 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments in 2014, an increase from $1.37 billion in 2014.

The survey was produced for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet by Certec Inc., of Versailles. More details about the tourism economic impact study are available at www.kentuckytourism.com/industry.

The Paducah Visitors Bureau is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Paducah and McCracken County. It exists to create new economic opportunities through destination marketing, management and tourism development. For more information, visit www.Paducah.Travel.

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