Owensboro-Daviess County Tourism Generates Record-Setting $262.9 Million, Sets New Hotel Records
OWENSBORO, KY – Newly released tourism impact data from the Commonwealth of Kentucky shows visitors spent a record $262.9 million in Daviess County during 2025, generating $20 million in state and local tax revenue and supporting 2,034 jobs.
The 2025 results represent a $13.2 million increase in visitor spending and a $900,000 increase in state and local tax revenue compared to 2024, continuing a multi-year trend of growth in Owensboro-Daviess County’s tourism economy.
The growth was also reflected in Owensboro’s hotel industry, where local hotels achieved an all-time occupancy record of just over 60 percent.
“These numbers don’t just set a new record. They represent the largest year-over-year increase in tourism impact in the history of Owensboro-Daviess County,” said Mark Calitri, President & CEO of Visit Owensboro.
“Every hotel associate, restaurant employee, attraction staff member, event organizer, volunteer, tourism stakeholder, and sports organizer plays a role in creating the visitor experience,” Calitri added. “We’ve been intentional about working with our partners to create new events, expand sports tourism, support attractions, grow convention business, and continue investing in this destination. These numbers reflect the efforts of a lot of people who have helped make Owensboro a place visitors want to choose.”
Visit Owensboro Board Chairman Claude Bacon said the results reflect sustained investment and planning.
“These results are the product of years of focused effort across this community,” said Claude Bacon, Board Chair, Visit Owensboro & President and CEO, GOEDC. “The Visit Owensboro Board, City of Owensboro, and Daviess County Fiscal Court have been intentional about building Owensboro-Daviess County into a destination that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and creates real economic opportunity. The record-setting numbers we’re seeing today show that approach is working and that we’re continuing to build momentum. You’ve heard me say it before: tourism is economic development.”
Momentum continues across key sectors of the tourism economy. The Owensboro Convention Center continues to set records for booked business, while future developments such as the Bluegrass Fieldhouse and championship-level pickleball complex are expected to create additional opportunities for growth.
Tourism Impact Highlights
• $262.9 million in visitor spending
• $20 million in state and local tax revenue
• 2,034 tourism-supported jobs
• $61.4 million in labor income