Why We're Here
Our Mission is to market and sell Lexington’s Bluegrass region by driving economic impact through tourism and meetings to enhance the quality of life for Lexingtonians.
VisitLEX is the local convention and visitors bureau. We are a standalone organization funded primarily by 4% of the transient room tax paid by visitors staying at hotels, short-term rentals, and campgrounds. According to state law, these funds must be used to promote convention and tourist activities and facilities. Why? Because tourism fuels our economy, improves our quality of life, and is a competitive industry that demands comprehensive sales, marketing, advertising, service, and engagement to compete with other cities.
Tourism doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a highly competitive industry—and it takes a collective effort. From our hospitality partners to our frontline teams, Lexington’s success is powered by people who make every visit exceptional.
What We Do
Attract Visitors
We market Lexington-Fayette County as an outstanding destination for leisure travel, business travel, meetings and conventions, and film, inspiring travel and providing exceptional service to these visitors.
Support Local Businesses
We partner with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and venues to drive visitation and provide complimentary resources through outreach efforts like our Destination LEXpert program.
Drive Meetings & Events
As the sales and services arm for meetings and conventions, we bring groups to Lexington that generate meaningful economic impact for our community.
Champion Our Community
From destination stewardship to accessibility and sustainability efforts, we work to ensure Lexington remains welcoming and vibrant for all. Learn more about our Lex For Good initiatives here.
Why Tourism Matters
Tourism is more than a visit—it’s a vital part of Lexington’s economy and future.
According to a study from the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, Fayette County had a record-breaking year in 2024:
- $1.7 billion in economic impact from travel and tourism—the highest ever recorded.
- $131 million generated in state & local tax revenue
- $536 in annual tax savings for every Fayette County household
- 11,851 local jobs created
That impact plays a key role in shaping how people see Lexington, supporting local businesses, fueling jobs, and helping keep Lexington vibrant for both visitors and residents.
VisitLEX supports numerous projects and events that local residents enjoy, and improve the quality of life. Recently, VisitLEX has supported: Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, FoodChain (Nourish and FEAST), The Lexington Children’s Museum, The Lexington Theater Company, Black Soil, Legacy Equine Academy, Bike LEX, DV8 Vocational Training Foundation, Pride Festival, The Lexington Philharmonic, LexArts, Lexington African American Sports Hall of Fame, the African American Heritage Walking Tour, and many more.
A Year of Momentum: 2025 Highlights
2025 was a record-setting year for Lexington tourism, and a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together.
- $55 million in economic impact from sales efforts
- 245 groups hosted and 92,000+ rooms booked
- $1.8 million in economic impact generated through hosting the RCMA EMERGE Annual Convention
- $27 million in approved film projects in Central Kentucky via FilmLEX efforts
- 91 million impressions and 1 billion earned media impressions
- $45 million in media value generated through National and International recognition, including the following accolades from Condé Nast Traveler:
- #1 Most Tourist-Friendly City in the U.S.
- #6 Best Food City
- #8 Best Small City
Lexington was also featured in top publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living, bringing global attention to our city’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
2025 was a year of growth, recognition, and impact. Explore our 2025 Year in Review Infographic to see the full picture, including key milestones, partnerships, and the impact of tourism across Lexington.
About VisitLEX
Mission
To market and sell Lexington’s Bluegrass region by driving economic impact through tourism and meetings to enhance the quality of life for Lexingtonians.
Vision
Inspiring travel to Lexington’s Bluegrass region where the hospitality makes everyone feel at home.
Structure
The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitLEX) is a public service organization authorized by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 91A.350) and established in 1974 by a Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) ordinance. VisitLEX's adopted budgets, financial statements and audit reports can be viewed on the Department of Local Government's website at kydlgweb.ky.gov.
VisitLEX is headed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the Mayor for three-year terms. Three commissioners are selected as representatives of the hotel and motel industry. One commissioner is selected as a representative of the restaurant industry. One commissioner is selected from a list submitted by Commerce Lexington. Four commissioners are selected at large by the Mayor and must be residents of Fayette County. In addition to the nine appointed members, there may be up to a seven-member non-voting ex-officio panel. The VisitLEX Commission meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the VisitLEX administrative offices at 8:30 am, unless otherwise noted. The VisitLEX Finance Committee meets on Tuesday prior to the Commission meeting via Zoom at 11:00 am, unless otherwise noted. To request a link to attend the meeting click here.
Funding
Operating revenue is generated by occupied hotel/motel rooms, short-term rentals and campgrounds in Lexington-Fayette County. By state statute, hotels collect an eight and one-half percent occupancy tax from their guests. Four and one-half percent of that revenue goes to the Central Bank Center for debt repayment. The remaining four percent goes to the Bureau.
VisitLEX's adopted budgets, financial statements and audit reports can be viewed on the Department of Local Government's website at kydlgweb.ky.gov.
The VisitLEX office is located at 215 West Main Street, Suite 150. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Vice President of Finance and Operations serves as the official custodian of records. KY residents may request public records by submitting the approved form or by written request. Completed forms or requests may be hand delivered or submitted via USPS mail to the VisitLEX office, by facsimile to (859) 254-4555 or via email. Should paper copies of records be required the cost is $0.10 per page.
Diversity Statement
We’re on a journey. VisitLEX is committed to reflecting and upholding the value of diversity of thought, culture, and lifestyles that are inherent in the
Lexington community as we welcome visitors from around the world to our destination. Practicing genuine and inclusive hospitality is a shared responsibility for every employee. Our commitment to inclusion is a dedicated long-term mindset that celebrates the unique, personal lived experiences that make us a stronger organization and help make Lexington a world-class destination that is welcoming and inclusive of all.
Civil Rights Act Title VI
VisitLEX complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and will not subject any person to discrimination based on race, color, age, disability or national origin by any program or activity. VisitLEX will provide meaningful access to alternate formats for the benefits, services, information and other important portions of programs and activities for individuals with Limited English Proficiency. Requests for alternate formats can be submitted to the Vice President of Finance and Operations (lexadmin@visitlex.com) or (859) 233-1221. Complaints should be directed to the Vice President of Finance and Operations (lexadmin@visitlex.com) or (859) 233-1221.
