The annual survey of tourism spending in Kentucky shows an increase for Ohio County in 2014. All nine of the state’s tourism regions registered gains for 2014 compared with 2013.
The report showed tourism in Kentucky had an economic impact in 2014 of nearly $13.1 billion, an increase of 4.4 percent from 2013.
The annual survey also showed tourism supported 179,963 jobs in Kentucky in 2014, an increase of 4,217 jobs from the previous year. These jobs generated more than $2.9 billion in wages for Kentucky workers, an increase of $123 million from 2013.
Tourism generated $1.37 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments in 2014, an increase from $1.31 billion in 2013.
“The economic impact from tourism in Kentucky has increased by more than $2.2 billion and 13,000 jobs over the last five years,” Governor Steve Beshear said. “That translates to more spending and jobs in small and large communities across the state. I’m proud that our work with the tourism industry has been so successful.”
Ohio County, which is part of the Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue tourism region, took in $11,311,747 in total expenditures from tourism in 2014. Of that total, the county made $7,195,768 in direct expenditures. That means $7,195,768 real dollars were spent in Ohio County by tourists.
The county made $4,115,979 in indirect expenditures from tourism in 2014. Indirect expenditures were calculated by a formula used to gauge the economic stimulus provided by the infusion of direct tourism dollars into the economy.
The county's 2014 numbers are higher than 2013's by just over $1 million dollars in total expenditures and by over $675,000 in direct expenditures. In 2013, the county made $10,244,035 in total expenditures and $6,516,562 in direct expenditures.
Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston believes tourism is important to Ohio County, but some resources, like Jerusalem Ridge, remain untapped.
"Tourism is important to our county. We have not fully capitalized on the potential we have by being the Home of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass Music," Johnston said. "The room tax revenue has stayed about the same over the last three years, but it is harder to measure what fuel sales and other sales in the county have done. I do believe that Kentucky doing well (in tourism) will benefit Ohio County."
Beaver Dam Mayor Paul Sandefur believes the future is bright for tourism in Ohio County and more specifically, Beaver Dam.
"I think Beaver Dam has just scratched the surface in regards to tourism, especially with the (Beaver Dam Family Park) and Amphitheater," Sandefur said. "The first concert with Lonestar and Joe Diffie had cars from at least 18 different counties and five different states in the parking lot. For the Merle Haggard concert (May 29), we have folks coming from Michigan and Chicago."
In addition to the Newsboys and Haggard concert, other events are scheduled for this summer, such as the Strawberry Festival, a Jason Crabb concert, the Ohio County Artist Guild's 'Art Is In the Air' event and a 4th of July concert.
"Plans are already in the works for more events in late summer and fall," Sandefur said.
The release of the figures coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated May 2-10 this year.
“It’s great news that tourism spending is up in rural and urban areas all across the state,” said Bob Stewart, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “The growing impact of Kentucky’s tourism industry continues to fuel economic activity all over the Commonwealth, and that’s a great sign for our overall economic vitality.”
To receive updates on future events at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater, Like the Beaver Dam Tourism Commission's Facebook page or check their website beaverdamtourism.org.
