Farming in Fayette County is not just about cash receipts; it’s also about tourism. Agritourism in Fayette County is also a major industry, contributing over a billion dollars each year to the regional economy.
– The Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 2006
60% of tourists visit Lexington to see its farms.
– The Lexington Convention Visitor’s Bureau, 2006
A remarkable amount of tourists come to Fayette County each year to experience its rural heritage. In 2004, over 1.4 million visitors registered at the KY Horse Park, Keeneland, and the Red Mile.
– 2005 Dr. Timothy A. Woods-Agribusiness Task Force Study
In 2006, The Kentucky Horse Park hosted nearly 900,000 visitors, 15,000 competition horses, and 100 special events.
– The Kentucky Horse Park, 2007
The 2010 World Equestrian Games is estimated to have a $115 million impact on Lexington-Fayette County.
–The World Equestrian Games Inc., 2007
Employment numbers and tax revenues generated by Fayette County agritourism*:
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Local Tax Receipts
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Local Jobs
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$14.6 Million
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13,130 |
* Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 2006
Public’s favorite thing about Lexington is its surrounding landscape.
– LFUCG Division of Planning Comp. Plan Survey, Spring 2005
All in all, agritourism activities generate over $1 billion to the regional economy each year.
– The Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 2006
If we don’t expand the urban service boundary at this time, the agriculture/agritourism businesses- a $3 billion industry in Fayette County will thrive, and in turn preserve our cultural heritage and sense of place.
