Mark Calitri on Owensboro’s $116,000 Weekend Economic Boost and $218M Tourism Economy

When major events come to Owensboro, the impact is immediate.

As reported by WFIE, two major events — the Chamber of Young Professionals Summit and the CASA Conference — brought thousands of visitors to Owensboro and generated more than $116,000 in spending in a single weekend.

Mark Calitri, President and CEO of Visit Owensboro, said the weekend highlighted the scale and diversity of events driving dollars into the community.

“This weekend really highlighted the multitude of different events that Owensboro brought that helped signify those dollars being spent.”

Restaurants reported hour-and-a-half wait times. Hotels were nearly sold out. Downtown Owensboro was active from morning to night.

Tourism now produces more than $218 million in annual spending in Owensboro, making it one of the strongest economic drivers in the region.

According to Sharon NeSmith, General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites, strong collaboration between the Owensboro Convention Center and Visit Owensboro plays a key role in filling hotel rooms and attracting conferences.

Full media coverage can be read here:
Weekend events create economic boost in Owensboro – WFIE 14 News
https://www.14news.com/2019/11/19/busy-weekend-is-spurring-an-economic-boost-owensboro/

Watch the full breakdown on the Mark Calitri YouTube channel as he explains how Owensboro Tourism is generating and economic impact to Owensboro and Daviess County.  https://youtu.be/EjIrzKQHqEQ?si=N0yF2I13KNh-VYS0