The economic impact of tourism in Kentucky amounted to $10.8 billion in 2009, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet announced today.

Considering the state of the economy and reductions in travel around the country, Kentucky fared well during 2009, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Marcheta Sparrow said.

“Kentucky’s tourism industry held its own during a dramatic downturn in the national economy,” Sparrow said. “That shows that our state’s great variety of attractions, central location and affordability, makes it an excellent travel destination.”

Compared to the year 2008, the economic impact figure was down 1.9 percent.

Hotel occupancy in Kentucky dropped 2.8 percent in 2009, compared to a national drop of 8.6 percent, according to Smith Travel Research.

Many tourist destinations have been encouraging Kentuckians to stay close to home and visit attractions in their home state.

“I believe the Kentucky tourism industry is strong and will get through this tough economic period,” said Mike Cooper, the commissioner of travel and tourism. “Kentucky remains a great travel destination with its combination of natural beauty, historic sites and urban settings.”

The tourism regions in mostly rural areas saw small gains while the tourism regions that include Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky experienced declines in economic impact figures.

The impact figures are based on such things as tourist spending at attractions, overnight hotel stays, campgrounds, tax data, attendance figures and airline business. The analysis was conducted by Certec Inc. of Lexington.

For more information about travel in Kentucky, visit www.kentuckytourism.com