Visitors’ investment in The Capital of Lake Cumberland supports more than 1,100 jobs while generating $11.1 million in state and local tax revenue
SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (June 15, 2026) — Visitors spent $152.7 million in Pulaski County in 2025, setting yet another record and underscoring the value of tourism to this growing lake community.
This is the fifth time in the last seven years that the tourism spending record has been topped in The Capital of Lake Cumberland, an incredible testament to the work being done by hospitality partners, attractions, event organizers and tourism stakeholders to fuel the local economy, said Michelle Allen, executive director of Lake Cumberland Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Pulaski County.
“Tourism continues to be one of Pulaski County’s most important economic drivers, and these numbers demonstrate the real impact visitors have on our community,” Allen said. “Every dollar spent by a visitor helps lower tax costs for residents, supports local businesses, creates jobs and helps strengthen the quality of life our people enjoy.”
According to new economic impact research conducted by Tourism Economics and released by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, tourism in Pulaski County supported 1,133 jobs, generated $31.5 million in labor income and produced $11.1 million in state and local tax revenue in 2025. The county’s tourism spending record was part of a historic year for Kentucky tourism overall, with visitors spending a record $14.6 billion statewide. Tourism supported nearly 97,000 jobs across the Commonwealth and generated more than $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The record-setting year reflects continued interest in Somerset-Pulaski County as a destination for outdoor recreation, lake vacations, sporting events, festivals, entertainment, culinary experiences, and soon, bourbon. The community’s diverse offerings continue to attract visitors from throughout Kentucky and across the country.
“None of this happens by accident,” said Leslie Ikerd, director of See Somerset Tourism, the City of Somerset’s tourism agency that focuses on downtown as well as businesses and attractions in the city. “It takes intentional investment, strong partnerships and a community committed to creating memorable experiences for visitors. We are so blessed to have that in Somerset and Pulaski County. This record demonstrates that people are choosing our community for their vacations, weekend getaways and special events, and that’s a direct reflection of the collaboration we have had in building a destination.”
Burnside Tourism Director Aimee Mills said her community is proud to be part of Pulaski County’s tourism success story.
“As the only city located directly on Lake Cumberland, we see firsthand the positive impact visitors have on our businesses, workforce and community,” Mills said. “The addition of new businesses and continued growth in events, recreation and lodging is helping attract more visitors each year and strengthen the local economy. The success reflected in these numbers is the result of strong partnerships between local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, city leadership, and our tourism partners. We are excited about the future and grateful for the visitors who continue to make Burnside a destination of choice on Lake Cumberland.”
As they prepare to host Lake Cumberland 250, a community-wide celebration of America’s 250th birthday, these tourism leaders say they are optimistic about the coming year. This summer also marks the highly anticipated opening of Horse Soldier Farms Distillery, a destination expected to attract visitors from across the nation and further strengthen the area’s tourism economy.
“There’s tremendous momentum surrounding Somerset-Pulaski County right now,” Allen said. “Between Lake Cumberland 250, the opening of Horse Soldier Farms Distillery and the many events and attractions in Burnside, Somerset and Pulaski County that make this area special, we’re excited about what 2026 has in store and the opportunities it creates for our community.”