Louisville gears up for Kentucky Derby 151 with high hopes for tourism boost

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With five days until the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is preparing for an influx of visitors. And while the projections are lower than the milestone 150th Derby in 2024, and officials are still banking on strong tourism numbers.

Around downtown Monday, preparations were in full swing. City workers planted flowers and laid mulch at Jefferson Square Park, while crews outside Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse refreshed the red carpet steps to welcome Derby guests.

"We're projecting hotel occupancy to be about 87%, Zack Davis with Louisville Tourism said Monday. "We think that is probably going to crest over 90% occupancy in the city as it typically does historically.

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While that figure is down from last year's record-setting Derby 150, officials remain optimistic.

Hotels like the Galt House are requiring three-night minimum stays and are hoping for a strong turnout, especially after a difficult winter and wet spring.

"The weather delayed us a little bit, but we're getting there," said Lance George with the Galt House. "We've got a lot of great programming set up with local vendors and are looking forward to a really exciting Derby."

At Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, a steady flow of arrivals is expected to continue through Saturday morning with about 34,000 travelers flying in.

"It's a very busy few days for us," said Natalie Chaudoin, a spokesperson for the airport. "We are proud to be the red carpet welcome to Louisville for the Derby."

Tourism officials also note a growing trend of travelers booking trips closer to the actual event date.

"We are seeing nationwide that people booking and buying tickets for events is definitely becoming more last-minute," Davis said.

The Derby is expected to bring in about $440 million in economic impact for the city, a major boost fueled by hundreds of thousands of visitors at Churchill Downs and millions more watching around the world.

"I don't know if there is another destination that can really tout the economic impact that an annual event brings year in and year out," Davis said.

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