Northern Kentucky’s tourism and visitors bureau, meetNKY, found that Northern Kentucky’s tourism economy generated around $3.3 billion in visitor spending throughout 2025.
Recently, the organization published its annual report, which revealed that Northern Kentucky welcomed 26.5 million visitors in 2025. In addition, the region generated $475 million in lodging revenue last year, even as parts of the national travel economy slowed.
“What we’re seeing across Northern Kentucky is the result of strong regional collaboration and a shared commitment to growing this destination together,” meetNKY CEO Julie Kirkpatrick said in a news release. “With expanded air service, increased visibility through strategic marketing and branding efforts, and continued growth in meetings and conventions, we are well-positioned to build on this momentum into 2026.”
Meetings and conventions also grew substantially, producing over 81,000 room nights across 221 events, with reservations already extending into 2026 and early 2027. At Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, nearly 9 million passengers traveled through in 2025, supported by new nonstop routes and ongoing infrastructure projects.
meetNKY’s marketing and media efforts generated widespread exposure, including 145 domestic media placements reaching an estimated 2.7 billion unique visitors per month, with an advertising value equivalent of $25.8 million. Internationally, 35 stories were placed, reaching a unique monthly visitors of 327.5 million and an advertising value of $3.6 million.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we see a major opportunity to elevate our region as the Midwest’s arts epicenter, with milestones like BLINK returning this October,” Kirkpatrick said in the release. “From the energy of our professional and emerging sports teams to a thriving live music scene, expanded convention spaces, and signature outdoor experiences, we’re building on strong momentum to attract visitors year-round. Together, these efforts fuel our local economy, support small businesses, and create new, meaningful ways for visitors to experience our communities.”
To view the report, click here.