Lake Barkley Tourism Director Jody Norwood spoke at the Princeton Rotary Club last week, sharing tourism updates and economic data for Caldwell and Lyon counties.
Norwood, a Marshall County native, has served as director since mid-July and shared his background in journalism and medical sales before joining the Lake Barkley Tourism Commission.
He explained that the Lake Barkley Tourism Commission primarily represents Lyon County, with Lake Barkley as the cornerstone of its tourism industry.
click to download audioHe shared the 2024 direct tourism employment numbers for Caldwell and Lyon counties, noting that figures for 2025 are not yet available.
click to download audioHe noted that, statewide in 2024, direct tourism employment reached 70,876, with total industry employment at 97,394, making tourism a major part of the state’s workforce.
He reported that total tourism spending in 2024 topped $17 million in Caldwell County and reached $37 million in Lyon County.
click to download audioHe highlighted that direct tourism spending in Kentucky for 2024 reached $2.1 billion, with total tourism dollars at $14.2 billion statewide, with a lot of efforts to promote the Bourbon Trail, the horse parks and racing industries, as well as horse and hiking trails to connect the communities.
He said the statewide tourism dollars were up about $500 million over the previous year for direct and total spending, and continue to grow.
According to Norwood, Lyon County’s modern tourism industry began in the 1950s, about a decade after Barkley Dam was completed.
click to download audioHe added that the goal of tourism is not only to bring people to the marinas, but also to encourage them to visit other local businesses in the area.
He said consumer habits have changed over time, and Lyon County businesses have adapted.
click to download audioHe spoke about attracting statewide tourism through advertising, promotions, and local business partnerships, and also shared information on funding and grants for tourism.
To hear Norwood’s full presentation, click on the audio link below:
