Visitor spending in 2007 reached an all-time high of $325 million according to figures released this week by the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau. The $325 million figure was 23 percent higher than the 2006 total of $263 million calculated for Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties. Lodging companies reaped the biggest share, garnering 49.86 of the total spend. Restuarants gained 22.72 percent of the visitor spending and retail shops earned 12.06 percent of the spending."Competition in our industry is at a level we've never experienced before. Each convention bureau looks to separate itself from cities of similar size. One of Northern Kentucky's strongest traits is the ability of civic and government leaders to come together in alignment for the good of the community. This sentiment is not a given in many cities. That's why it's essential," said bureau president and CEO Tom Caradonio, "that we celebrate the strong working relationship the CVB holds with the hotel and attractions community, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and all our additional meetings facilities."Other statistics released by the Bureau included:* Total economic impact to the community as a result of 2007 Bureau initiatives was $44.2 million, up from $39.4 million in 2006;* For every dollar spent on marketing the region to convention goers, nearly $11 was returned to the community in economic impact ($10.90). This represented a 10.5 percent advantage over 2006;* Corporate travelers continue to lead the market segment category at nearly 41 percent, followed by leisure at 34.5, meetings and conventions 22 percent and government 2.5 percent.