Northern Kentucky’s Tourism Economy Poised for Growth: A Look at the 2025 Impact

Published on July 2, 2025

In 2025, Northern Kentucky is expected to solidify its place as one of the state’s leading tourism hubs. With an increasing economic impact of $2.25 billion, the region continues to benefit from its proximity to downtown Cincinnati and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), a major transportation hub that draws both national and international visitors. While Kentucky’s overall tourism economy saw a record-setting year, reaching $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting nearly 100,000 jobs, Northern Kentucky has emerged as a key player in this upward trajectory.

The region’s tourism sector saw a 12.5% year-over-year increase in 2024, with Northern Kentucky contributing significantly to Kentucky’s overall tourism impact. This growth follows a period of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the global tourism industry in 2020 and 2021. Julie Kirkpatrick, CEO of meetNKY, the region’s tourism bureau, noted that the surge in travel demand, especially after the pandemic, played a key role in the economic resurgence. She explained that many travelers who hadn’t been able to take vacations for two or three years during the pandemic were now making up for lost time, resulting in a major boost to the region’s tourism sector.

While the economic recovery was primarily driven by the resurgence of pent-up travel demand, Northern Kentucky has also benefited from continued success in attracting international visitors, particularly through the British Airways flight to London, which has been a significant driver for inbound tourism. This international connectivity, along with the region’s appeal to national visitors, positions Northern Kentucky as a key destination for both leisure and business travel.

Northern Kentucky’s tourism appeal lies not only in its connection to Cincinnati’s event economy but also in its regional attractions. The region is home to unique sites such as the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark that draws visitors from beyond the region, and the Newport Aquarium, which has become a popular stop for families and animal enthusiasts. These attractions, along with the region’s access to major sporting events like Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games, conventions, and concerts, help solidify Northern Kentucky as an attractive destination.

Julie Kirkpatrick highlighted the power of being part of the larger Cincinnati metropolitan area, where events like Reds games, Bengals matches, and concerts create an influx of visitors to the region. The presence of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) also plays a pivotal role in facilitating travel to the region. As one of the busiest airports in the multi-state region, CVG continues to serve as a major transportation gateway for travelers headed to both the U.S. and international destinations.

In terms of hotel occupancy, Northern Kentucky’s performance in 2024, with a rate of 65.4%, was slightly lower than the 68.5% occupancy rate from the previous year. However, it still remains above the national average of 63%. Hotel occupancy is a critical indicator of a tourism economy’s health, as it reflects the percentage of available hotel rooms occupied by guests over a specified period. Despite the minor dip in 2024, the region’s hotel occupancy rate is still a strong indicator of continued demand for accommodation, particularly during peak travel seasons.

A closer look at the individual counties in Northern Kentucky reveals that Boone County led the way with over $1.3 billion in economic impact. Kenton County followed with $581 million, and Campbell County generated $201 million. These figures show how tourism is distributed across the region, with Boone County being a primary beneficiary due to its proximity to the airport and its well-developed tourism infrastructure.

As Northern Kentucky’s tourism economy continues to grow, its role within the broader Kentucky tourism landscape becomes more significant. While Louisville, Kentucky’s largest tourism economy, generated an estimated $4.4 billion in economic impact in 2024, Northern Kentucky’s $2.25 billion economic impact places it in second place, ahead of Fayette County (Lexington) with $1.6 billion. This growth trajectory positions Northern Kentucky as a vital contributor to Kentucky’s overall tourism success.

Kentucky’s focus on tourism as an economic driver is evident in the state’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, led by Secretary Lindy Casebier. She emphasized the importance of tourism in Kentucky’s economy, acknowledging the efforts of tourism and hospitality professionals across the state. As more travelers discover the attractions of Kentucky, the state’s tourism industry is expected to continue its upward momentum. Casebier expressed her optimism about welcoming more visitors in the future, showcasing the state’s growing commitment to its tourism sector.

In terms of its future outlook, Northern Kentucky is well-positioned to build on its recent successes. One of the region’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Cincinnati, which offers a wealth of entertainment options, cultural events, and sporting activities that draw visitors from across the country. Northern Kentucky also benefits from its status as the home of several high-profile attractions, making it a convenient and attractive destination for tourists.

The combination of regional events, sporting activities, and unique cultural experiences provides a diverse range of options for visitors to Northern Kentucky. Whether it’s attending a Cincinnati Bengals football game, exploring the Ark Encounter, or enjoying a day at the Newport Aquarium, the region has much to offer for every type of traveler. Moreover, with new developments and ongoing improvements to the region’s infrastructure, Northern Kentucky’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth.

As more people begin to travel again in 2025 and 2026, the tourism industry in Northern Kentucky is expected to benefit from both domestic and international visitors. The rise of regional attractions, combined with the growth of Greater Cincinnati’s event economy, will contribute to Northern Kentucky’s reputation as an up-and-coming destination for travelers seeking new and exciting experiences. Additionally, the expansion of international travel routes through CVG International Airport will make the region even more accessible to global tourists.

Tourism will continue to be a key economic driver for Northern Kentucky as it moves forward into 2025 and 2026. The region’s ability to leverage its proximity to Cincinnati, its unique attractions, and its growing international connectivity will ensure that Northern Kentucky remains an essential part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s tourism economy. As the industry recovers and grows, the region’s economic impact from tourism is expected to increase, making it a critical player in Kentucky’s overall tourism success.

Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky’s tourism sector faces a bright future, with continued growth and development expected in the coming years. The region’s ability to attract both national and international visitors, along with its diverse range of attractions and events, positions it as a top destination for travelers in Kentucky and beyond. With ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts, Northern Kentucky is well on its way to becoming a key player in the tourism industry for years to come.