Tourism officials in Kentucky’s second-largest city are anticipating a return to 2019 activity, if not better. The tourism and hospitality business across the board dropped significantly when coronavirus emerged in 2020. VisitLex President Mary Quinn Ramer said a new convention center could help Lexington go beyond 2019 numbers.
“We’ve got a bigger space so we’ve got the opportunity to grow well past what we were able to do in 2019. And that is absolutely what our team at VisitLex is focused on,” said Ramer.
A big economic shot in the arm came three months ago when the Breeders’ Cup came to Lexington. Although the figures aren’t in, Ramer said the economic impact is expected to easily exceed the 2015 Breeders’ Cup in Lexington. Ramer noted the business impact is found at hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other retailers.
“But then we also have a whole second set of data that we’re looking at that is specific to the track. So wagering, concessions, parking, tickets.”
A formal report on the Breeders’ Cup's economic impact on Fayette County is anticipated in the next few weeks.
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