LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As Thunder Over Louisville's fireworks light up the sky, another booming force is drawing attention to the city: Louisville's thriving tourism industry.

Tourism officials are expecting 2025 to bring unprecedented economic gains, projecting an impact of nearly $4.2 billion for the local economy this year. The momentum follows a record-breaking 2024, which saw significant attendance at 16 major events that helped shape the city's tourism landscape.

"2024 was, by all counts, a record year. Huge. Both in attendance and the number of events we hosted," said Zack Davis with Louisville Tourism. "I look at 2025 as a year where Louisville will do what Louisville does best — host the top trade shows, music festivals, and sporting events in the country."

Major events on the horizon include the Kentucky Derby, which is expected to attract 263,000 attendees and generate over $440 million in revenue. Other key attractions include the Mid-America Trucking Show, with a $31 million impact, the Equip Expo, contributing $30 million, and the combined Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life music festivals, which are expected to draw 360,000 people and generate $42 million.

Davis said that September and October will be particularly strong months for tourism. The return of the Utility Expo and the annual Farm Machinery Show in February usually brings in 300,000 tourists, farmers and vendors to the city.

Noteworthy anniversaries for attractions such as the Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, Waterfront Park, and the Ali Center are also on tap, ensuring that the city's rich culture will continue to draw visitors throughout the year.

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is also experiencing a surge in traffic, with 4.8 million travelers in 2024 — a 4% increase from the previous year. Airport officials are optimistic about 2025, with expected growth driven by Derby and summer travel.

"A little bit of a soft quarter to start 2025, but everything we’re seeing for the next Derby, the summer travel, and more capacity looks really positive, said Dan Mann, the Airport Authority's Executive Director.

Of the more than 35 destinations with nonstop service from SDF, 25 of those routes saw an increase in their flight frequencies. 20 routes experienced double digit capacity growth in 2024. 

May had 474,355 passengers - the single busiest month in the airport's history. 

Tourism also provides substantial local benefits. Nearly 70,000 people in the Metro area are employed in tourism-related jobs, and the state's tourism revenue helps save local households about $800 annually on taxes.

With more than 600 events planned for the year, Louisville is poised to solidify its status as a top destination for visitors and residents alike.

To read more from Louisville Tourism about recognition for the city along with its hotels, restaurants and festivals, click here.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.