A report commissioned by the state Department of Tourism said that visitors to Henderson County spent $97.5 million here in 2025.
The report, which was conducted by Tourism Economics, found that tourism supported 589 local jobs, generated $17.9 million in labor income and led to $7.3 million in state and local tax revenue.
The annual Economic Impact of Tourism report was released Thursday by Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Tourism.
“Tourism brings new dollars into Henderson County, strengthening local businesses, supporting jobs and generating tax revenue that benefits our entire community,” said Abby Dixon, the executive director of the Henderson Tourist Commission. “These numbers reflect the work of countless local businesses, attractions, event organizers, and hospitality pros who help make Henderson a place people want to visit and return to.”
Visitors come to Henderson for many reasons, from nationally recognized music festivals to outdoor recreation, local dining, arts and culture, and visits with friends and family, said a release from the local tourist commission.
The report found that tourism generated $7.3 million in state and local tax revenue in Henderson County. Those revenues help support public services and infrastructure while reducing the tax burden that would otherwise fall more heavily on local residents.
Statewide, Kentucky’s tourism industry generated $14.6 billion in visitor spending in 2025, supporting nearly 97,000 jobs and producing $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, said the release.
Dixon credited Henderson’s tourism success to the many businesses, organizations and individuals that work together to create memorable visitor experiences.
“We’re grateful to the Hendersonians that are creating experiences that visitors remember day in and day out,” Dixon said. “Our efforts as a community strengthen our local economy and help showcase the best of Henderson County, a place that I’m so very proud to call home.”
For more information about Henderson County attractions, events and visitor experiences, visit www.hendersonky.org.
