NKY Convention & Visitors Bureau Reports Record Numbers For 2004

Bureau President & CEO Tom Caradonio reports the total economic impact of visitor spending in Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties in 2004 totaled $235 million, a five percent increase from 2003, measured at $224 million.  Economic impact is the compilation of visitor spending locally on hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions.

“It’s appropriate that the theme of the 2004 Bureau Annual Meeting is partnerships,” said Caradonio.  “Without our hotels, attractions, restaurants and various retailers, the CVB’s impact economically would be limited.  The collaborative spirit in the community is what makes all our success possible.”

Other figures released in the annual report:

* The total economic impact to the community from marketing initiatives of the Northern Kentucky CVB increased nine percent in 2004 to $75.5 million.

* The corporate travel market continues to be NKY’s leading market segment at 40 percent.  Followed by leisure at 34 percent and group at 24 percent.

* Return on investment in Bureau marketing programs increased one percent to a new high of $25.04.

* Supply, demand and occupancy figures met projections by the Bureau heading into 2004.  Nationally, demand grew 4.6 percent compared to 2.9 percent for NKY, 2.8 percent for Cincinnati (excluding NKY), 2.7 percent for Ohio and 1.6 percent for Kentucky.  Supply grew an even one percent in 2004 nationally, point-nine percent in Kentucky, point-four percent in NKY, point-three percent in Ohio and point-two percent in Cincinnati. U-S occupancy growth stood at 3.7 percent compared to 2.4 percent for NKY, 2.6 percent in Cincinnati, 2.3 percent in Ohio and only point-six percent in Kentucky. 

The Bureau saluted several individuals and one organization at the annual meeting.

* The 2004 Bureau Hero Award went to Julie Wainscott of Courtyard By Marriott, Florence for buying swimming suits for children in a family who were temporarily housed at the hotel and used the hotel pool.  The family lost all their belongings in a fire that destroyed their home.

* Star of Tourism Awards were presented on behalf of Covington Mayor Irvin “Butch” Callery and the National Underground Railroad Museum for their impact on the convention and tourist markets.

* Bureau Champions were named for helping to bring large conventions to NKY.  They are Joe Koester of Herzog Jewelers (Retail Jewelers Organization), Ron and Emily Henry (Southwestern Ohio Square Dance), Gregory Shumate (Republican Party of Kentucky and the Kentucky Bar Association) and Larry Bowman (National Catholic Education Association).

The mission of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau is that of an aggressive sales, marketing, service and informational organization whose primary responsibility is to positively impact the Northern Kentucky economy through conventions, meetings and visitor expenditures.  The direct economic impact of visitors’ spending in Campbell, Kenton and Boone Counties in 2004 was $235 million.