With $12.9 billion in economic impact and the creation of 91,668 jobs in 2022, Kentucky tourism has a lot to celebrate.
Department of Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot said the rebound was never a sure thing, with many worried COVID-19 might deal a permanent blow to tourism.
"Remembering during the pandemic, there was a doubt at one point the tourism industry would even survive," he recalled.
Mangeot says his team has been working to expand outreach to different communities with new marketing efforts.
"Our goal is to continue to try to bring more new visitors to Kentucky because once we get them here for the first time, they tend to come back over and over again," he explained. "So we're looking at new demographic markets. We've really been focusing over the last couple years on LGBTQ, Hispanic, and Black travelers and their families."
The state is also seeking to attract retirees and military families.
The record-breaking tourism numbers weren’t confined to just major cities but Mangeot says counties spanning the entire state saw a boost in foot traffic.