Tourism director: county saw $600,000 increase in visitor spending; court renews $25,000 annual support

Daniel Wilson, the county tourism director, presented the annual tourism-impact summary during the fiscal court meeting, saying the Kentucky Department of Tourism numbers show a $600,000 increase in economic impact from $55,100,000 to $55,700,000 between 2024 and 2025. "So, you'll see on your paper from 2024 to 2025, we had a $600,000 increase," Wilson said as he described the data; he also noted state and local tax revenues rose by about $100,000.

Wilson asked the court to continue an annual $25,000 allocation to support tourism efforts in Russell County; the court approved that request by voice vote. Wilson described tourism as a tool to keep more visitor spending in the county and to support local jobs in hospitality and related services.