© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Spotlighting issues affecting the bottom line in Central Kentucky.

This Week On The Business Side: VisitLex Prez Discusses Breeders' Cup Bounce

visitlex.com

Being the host city for the Breeders' Cup was apparently very good for Lexington tourism.  Mary Quinn Ramer, VisitLex president takes us inside the numbers.

From the Associated Press:  Lexington tourism officials say the Breeders' Cup helped spur double-digit growth in tourism last year in Kentucky's second-largest city.

Keeneland Race Course hosted the two-day event for the first time ever last October. The event drew big crowds and was capped by Triple Crown champion American Pharoah's victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Lexington tourism officials say a growing number of local food and beverage attractions also contributed to the growth in tourism last year.

The officials say the city's hotel room revenue was up 11 percent last year. They're also reporting double-digit increases in hotel rooms booked through convention sales.

They say 29 new restaurants and bars opened last year, and that eight craft breweries are now on the Brewgrass Trail.

Related Content