The Bowling Green/Warren County area experienced a 21% increase in tourism spending compared to pre-COVID in 2019, the previous record-setting year

Governor Andy Beshear announced the economic impact of Kentucky’s tourism industry – a whopping $12.9 billion spent in 2022. The Bowling Green/Warren County area has long served as a hotbed of tourism activity with last year’s numbers rivaling even the most impressive of years, helping to contribute to this historic state total. Bowling Green-area tourism in 2022 generated 3,861 jobs, and $120.32 million of labor income with a direct spend of $329.8 million and an indirect spend of more than $450.66 million. This is a 21% increase since 2019, showcasing the city’s resilience and the public’s trust and dedication to Bowling Green in the post-pandemic era.
 
“We’ve continued to witness a positive trend upward as visitors reignite their passion for travel,” said Sherry Murphy, executive director of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “2022 proved challenging with high gas prices and employee shortages, but even with those obstacles, our community experienced a major influx of visitors that surpassed post-pandemic numbers. These figures are the representation of a collaborative effort comprised of hotels, restaurants, attractions, event venues, shops, and our office. We all work together to bring visitors here and make them feel welcome.”

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. The economic impact data comes on the heels of the spring announcement where Bowling Green was once again recognized as one of the nation’s top areas for attracting corporate facility investment, further proving the city’s marked strength as an economic booster for the state. 

“The NCM Motorsports Park is a proud partner of the Bowling Green Area Visitors & Convention Bureau,” said Greg Waldron, executive director of The NCM Motorsports Park. “With Bowling Green serving as a hub for all things Corvette, it’s hard for visitors not to fall in love or develop a passion for motorsports which we continue to witness.”

“While these numbers are pleasantly unprecedented, they’re not at all surprising,” said Jamie Johnson, executive director at Historic RailPark & Train Museum “Bowling Green continues to serve as an authentic and entertaining destination for all who visit. We’re so pleased to be part of this community and these numbers are certainly a reason to celebrate.”

Nominated as a “Best City on the Rise in 2023” and named one of the South’s best cities by Southern Living in 2022, Kentucky's third-largest city continues to surprise and captivate visitors from across the world. As the official destination marketing organization for Bowling Green/Warren County, the Bowling Green Area CVB’s mission is to promote tourist and convention activity to generate a positive economic impact for the local community. To learn more about Bowling Green visit www.visitbgky.com.