Hotel occupancy in Owensboro has reached an all-time high, according to the latest reports, signaling a surge in both tourism and economic momentum. The city is riding a wave of growth, continuing to draw major conventions, meetings, and sporting events—living up to its title as Kentucky’s number one sports town. In the month of April alone, Owensboro played host to national conferences, The Great Race, Spring Rally, All “A” Baseball and Softball State Tournaments, the GMAC Conference Tennis Championship, and the American Junior Golf Association tournament. This level of activity is grabbing national attention and proving once again that Owensboro is punching well above its weight.
March’s hailstorm and April’s flooding helped Owensboro hotels to a record 72% occupancy rate in April.
Mark Calitri, president of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that was up 7.5% from April 2024’s 64.5%.
The average room rate in Owensboro hotels climbed to $125 a night from the $117 rate a year ago, he said.
Calitri said, “We’re moving in the right direction.”
Calitri said the year-to-date estimated occupancy rate here is up nearly 6% over the same period in 2024.
He said the VIP Bourbon Experience during BBQ & Barrels sold out to fans from 11 states.
Calitri said local businesses benefited from the festival.
The Pub on Second, he said, reported a 40% sales increase over last year.
This media release was written and provided by our partners at Visit Owensboro.