Tourism in Georgetown/Scott County: Driving Our Economy, Supporting Our Community, and Building Our Future

From our horse farms and Elijah Craig’s legacy to Georgetown/Scott County’s role as the Birthplace of Bourbon, and from vibrant downtown events and agritourism to regional partnerships, tourism in Georgetown/Scott County is more than about attracting visitors; it is a powerful economic driver that supports local businesses, creates jobs, enhances quality of life, and strengthens our community for residents and visitors alike.

At the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission (GSCTC), we believe tourism is about creating a place people want to visit, live in, work in, and invest in.

Tourism’s Impact on Georgetown/Scott County’s Economy

Tourism plays a major role in Georgetown/Scott County’s economy by generating jobs, visitor spending, and tax revenue that directly benefit our community.

According to the 2024 Economic Impact data for Georgetown/Scott County:

• 1,259 jobs supported by tourism

• $38.1 million in labor income

• $14.4 million in state and local taxes generated

• $186 million in visitor spending

With 2025 figures expected soon, Georgetown/Scott County remains committed to building on this momentum.

These figures represent real opportunities for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and entrepreneurs. Tourism brings outside dollars into Georgetown/Scott County, helping support our economy while reducing the tax burden on local households.

Tourism Improves Quality of Life

Tourism also helps create the amenities and experiences residents enjoy every day.

From signature events like Party on the Square, Best of the Bluegrass/Festival of the Horse, Horsey Hundred, and Flannel & Frost to attractions like Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, Toyota tours, Royal Spring Park, agritourism experiences, and expanding trails at Lytle’s Fork Recreation Area, tourism supports the places and experiences that make Georgetown/Scott County special.

Special culinary experiences, farm-to-table dinners, downtown events, and outdoor adventures all contribute to a stronger sense of place while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Investments in tourism often lead to stronger downtowns, better attractions, expanded events, and more opportunities for both visitors and residents.

Simply put: At GSCTC, we believe if you build a place where people want to visit, you build a place where people want to live.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship

Tourism is one of the strongest ways to support small businesses and local entrepreneurship.

Every visitor who shops downtown, stays overnight, attends an event, or dines locally contributes directly to Georgetown/Scott County’s business community. Visitors support Georgetown’s boutiques, local restaurants, breweries, farms, and attractions, including Local Feed and Country Boy Brewing to Chinkapin Brewing, Evans Orchard, Elmwood Stock Farm, Ward Hall, Whispering Woods, Georgetown/Scott County Farmers’ Market vendors, Kentucky Proud businesses, and countless downtown retailers.

Tourism helps fuel:

• Restaurants and retailers

• Agritourism and local farms

• Event venues and attractions

• Small businesses and startups

  
  

As tourism grows, so do opportunities for local entrepreneurs, creating new revenue streams while preserving the character and authenticity of Georgetown/Scott County.

The Power of Regional Collaboration

Tourism success does not happen in isolation. Today’s travelers are seeking full experiences: scenic drives, bourbon trails, equine adventures, culinary stops, and vibrant communities.

That is why regional collaboration is so important.

GSCTC has worked on major award-winning collaborative tourism initiatives, including Bourbon Genesis, Horses, Horsepower & Hollers, Bluegrass Region Road Trip / Road Snacks, Kentucky After Dark, and other Kentucky Bluegrass Region partnerships that position Georgetown/Scott County as both a unique destination and an essential part of Kentucky’s larger tourism story.

These partnerships help Georgetown/Scott County:

• Reach larger visitor markets

• Increase overnight stays

• Expand marketing reach

• Strengthen local businesses

• Connect Georgetown to larger bourbon, equine, culinary, and regional travel experiences

  
  

When Georgetown/Scott County works regionally, we increase visibility, strengthen our economy, and compete on a much larger stage.

It All Starts with a Visit

At GSCTC, we often say tourism is where community growth begins:

If you build a place where people want to visit, you build a place where people want to live.

If you build a place where people want to live, you build a place where people want to work.

If you build a place where people want to work, you build a place where employers want to locate.

Final Thoughts

Tourism in Georgetown/Scott County is not just about visitors; it is about jobs, small businesses, quality of life, and community growth.

By investing in tourism, supporting local businesses, and embracing regional partnerships, Georgetown/Scott County is building a stronger future for residents, businesses, and generations to come.

Georgetown/Scott County’s future is strengthened every time we invest in the experiences, businesses, and partnerships that make our community a destination worth visiting and a place we are proud to call home.

Tourism in Georgetown/Scott County is more than an industry. It is an investment in our economy, our people, and the future of the place we proudly call home.