Owensboro is closing out 2025 with momentum that can be felt across the entire community. The Messenger-Inquirer reported that local hotel occupancy is up 3.47% year-over-year, signaling another strong finish for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“This past month has been strong,” said Visit Owensboro President Mark Calitri. “Revenue stayed consistent, conventions performed well, sports continued to grow, and our event calendar stayed busy.”
Smith Travel Research estimates Owensboro hotels have averaged 62.91% occupancy through October, keeping the city ahead of many regional destinations. The boost didn’t come from one event; it came from a mix of conversations, concerts, and a growing sports calendar, along with new venues like the expanded Energy on Ice Rink, the Kentucky Legend Pier, and the opening of the 144-room Embassy Suites by Hilton next to the Owensboro Convention Center.
Looking ahead, Owensboro’s holiday events, downtown energy, and the return of statewide sports championships point toward a promising start to 2026. Calitri added, “Visitors are still coming, and the CVB revenue is up. We’re keeping this city in the conversation and carrying the momentum forward.”
Read the full Messenger-Inquirer article here: CVB seeing strong end to 2025