KANSAS CITY, MO.—As Kansas City celebrates the Royals’ 2015 World Series Championship over the New York Mets, tourism industry data reveal record overall visitor rates and expenditures in the region for last year.
Research findings issued by Tourism Economics and Longwoods International found that the Kansas City region welcomed a record 24 million visitors in 2014. The numbers set a new record for the destination in America’s heartland. Additionally, the research — which is conducted every two years — found that visitor spending grew to a record $3.1 billion in 2014, a 12 percent increase over 2012 visitor spending. Also, visitors spent $845 million at hotels and motels in the region during 2014, a $73 million increase over 2012.
“Kansas City has accelerated the improvement of new products that enhance the resident and visitor experience, from our walkable convention district to the arts and culture scene to the new streetcar that comes on line next year,” said Ronnie Burt, Visit Kansas City President and CEO. “We are thrilled that visitors are taking notice, to the tune of 24 million travelers. We are excited about the future and will continue to build upon this wonderful momentum.”
The celebration of the tourism records, and the Royals series championship, will continue on. It was 30 years ago, 1985, since Kansas City last won baseball’s world championship . . . momentum which should continue to draw visitors to the ballpark, and region, into the future.
