Sam Knef

NEWPORT, Ky. — Many people who live in and visit northern Kentucky consider the region to be a “hidden gem,” but the organization in charge of trying to get more people to visit has been successful in making it less hidden.

Northern Kentucky is the number two economic impact area in Kentucky, according to MeetNKY.

It was clear Tim Reichmuth was from out of town from his Indiana t-shirt. In an interview with Spectrum News 1, Reichmuth confirmed he was visiting Newport with his wife.

“We’re from Indianapolis,” he said. “We have been here multiple times, prior to the whole COVID thing. This is our first time back since then.”

He explained why they came back, rooted in their love for the area.

“We love the river. We love the Levee area here. We’re glad to see that it’s filling back in. We’re going to go to the aquarium, Reichmuth said. “In fact, I just had this conversation the other day with my son, who just moved back from California. I told him me and my wife Dawn were coming here. And he was like, ‘Oh, what’s there?’ And so we had this discussion, and then I sent him some pictures from the hotel we were staying at, looking out on the river. And he was like, ‘Oh, that’s fire, send me the information.’ So I think he’s coming to northern Kentucky.”

For those unaware, “fire” is a very good answer to a question the folks with MeetNKY think about constantly. President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick does so, especially, and especially in recent years.

“During COVID, I don’t think it’s a secret that the tourism industry was damaged severely,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced more than $22 million in funding for Kenton County to support law enforcement, clean water, nonprofit organizations and, of particular interest to Kirkpatrick, tourism. Kirkpatrick said the funds will help continue a recovery which, she said, has already gone very well for northern Kentucky.

“Northern Kentucky’s tourism industry has recovered beyond 2019 levels. The hotels are posting their best results now. All of our attractions are up double digit visitation year…