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Tourism office reports gains: 59 jobs attributed to tourism, nearly $6 million economic value (2024 data)
Summary
Tourism Director Jody Flinger presented an impact study showing tourism supported about 59 jobs in Ohio County, roughly $2 million in labor income and nearly $6 million in total value (2024 data); she also highlighted museum visitation from all 50 states and concerns about local lodging capacity and park maintenance costs.
Jody Flinger, Ohio County's tourism director, briefed the Fiscal Court on 2024 tourism impact data compiled via a Kentucky League of Cities report.
Flinger said tourism accounted for about 59 full-, part- and seasonal jobs in Ohio County, provided nearly $2,000,000 in labor income and contributed close to $6,000,000 in total economic value to the county's economy. She noted local events draw regional visitors and that last year the local museum attracted visitors from all 50 states and several foreign tour groups.
Flinger also raised operational concerns: the county has 27 short-term rentals counted for transient-tax purposes and the local hotel market is strained because some event visitors stay outside the county. She said the museum has taken on caretaking responsibilities for Everett Park and asked whether discretionary funds could help cover mowing and trail maintenance; the chair said the budget will be reviewed.
The court thanked Flinger and noted tourism growth can help local revenue, while staff committed to consider discretionary funding requests during budget review.
