NEWPORT, Ky. — Tourism in the commonwealth continues to thrive, recently generating an economic impact of nearly $14 billion.
In Northern Kentucky, the Newport Aquarium is one of the area's busiest attractions contributing to the Bluegrass State's success.
Aquarium staff welcomed dozens of guests to see the mesmerizing jellyfish, the slithering tentacles of the octopus and the return of the mermaids.
While staff members said their No. 1 priority is the experience of guests, public relations manager Madison Brady said she has even brought her own mother to experience the magic of the aquarium.
"She's like, 'Why wasn't this around when you guys were kids?'" Brady said as she showed off a picture her mother took with the mermaids, who are back at the aquarium as hundreds of visitors watch them swim.
Earlier this month, meetNKY, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., gathered outside the aquarium to celebrate the region's recent surge in tourism.
“We’ve been proud to support tourism up here by investing over $13 million,” Beshear said. “We’ve also invested about $75 million in federal funding to support local growth, attract meetings and conventions and boost destination marketing efforts. This is a special time and a special place, and we want to show it off to the whole world.”
Many visitors said they love the aquarium's unique exhibits and welcoming environment, including Danielle Gray, adding it's the perfect place for families.
“This is actually our second time around to look at the mermaids, and they're having an absolute blast," said Gray, mother of two. "And I recommend families to come because it's a great way to spend your summer in the nice cool air conditioning and see all the animals and creatures.”
Brady said as the aquarium celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’ll continue to work to show visitors and Kentuckians the beauty of sea creatures.
"Everything that we do centers around giving kids and families just an unforgettable experience, creating that bond with the ocean," she said. "So that way, when they leave here, they want to protect it.”