Mark Calitri reports: Visit Owensboro Celebrates Record Tourism Impact and Unmatched Momentum

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This post was originally written in 2025, when Owensboro was building early momentum in tourism, events, and community partnerships.

Looking back now, many of these foundations helped lead to the national growth, record bookings, and expanded visibility we’re seeing today.

I’m keeping this post live because it shows how consistency, leadership, and long-term planning create real results.

— Mark Calitri

https://www.hometownregister.com/tourists-spent-249-7-million-here-last-year-state-says/article_48ac1360-9b0a-55eb-baba-15c9b8d4f593.html 


Visit Owensboro Celebrates Record Tourism Impact and Unmatched Momentum

 

Kentucky's tourism industry hit a record high in 2024, with a $14.3 billion economic impact statewide, according to the Kentucky Department of Tourism and Gov. Andy Beshear.

Locally, Owensboro and Daviess County saw a $249.7 million economic impact, with $19.1 million in taxes and nearly 2,000 jobs in tourism.

From January through May 2025, Owensboro broke occupancy records each month, in hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

"In sports, the scoreboard doesn’t lie. These results tell the story — Owensboro has massive momentum, and we’re headed in the right direction," said Mark Calitri, President of Visit Owensboro.

Calitri attributed success to strategic planning and investments, including ARPA funds for events and conventions.

Looking to the future, Owensboro expects further growth with a new hotel and downtown sports complex underway.

Calitri said, “I want to give special credit to Representatives Suzanne Miles, DJ Johnson, and Senator Gary Boswell. I work with all three regularly, and they’re always engaged, supportive, and ready to roll up their sleeves. They understand the power of tourism and economic development, and they’ve been true partners in this journey.”

Background:

At its core, this success is simple: more visitors are coming to Owensboro and spending money at local businesses. That’s outside money – what we like to call good money – going straight into our community. It’s the kind of growth that lifts everyone.


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