UPDATE: Louisiana is ramping up its tourism campaign as travel demand surges post-pandemic. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announced ambitious plans to keep the Bayou State at the forefront of travel destinations, targeting international markets and enhancing local attractions.
Just last year, Louisiana welcomed 43 million visitors, generating an impressive $18.1 billion in spending. With international visitation up 16.9 percent, Nungesser’s team is now setting their sights on Canada, which represents a significant 33 percent of their international market. “Those Canadians love them some Louisiana,” Nungesser stated during a recent Rotary Club meeting in Lake Charles.
In a bold promotional strategy, the Louisiana Office of Tourism has wrapped taxis in Paris as rolling billboards and sponsored high-profile events like the London Jazz Festival. Nungesser emphasized the importance of visibility, saying, “Participation in the Rose Parade has allowed us to drive awareness about our state as a vacation destination to a broad number of attendees.”
The Rose Parade has garnered significant media attention, with coverage reaching an estimated 10.4 billion people and generating a media value of $144.9 million over the past four years. The float, adorned with organic materials, is crafted by volunteers flown in from Louisiana, who are treated to local cuisine during their shifts.
Meanwhile, Louisiana’s state parks are thriving, with 21 state parks and 14 historic sites welcoming over 1.75 million visitors last year. Nungesser aims to create resort conference centers in these parks to attract more events. “We have over 350 groups that meet every year all over Louisiana,” he noted, highlighting the economic potential for local communities.
Bogue Chitto State Park stands out as a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, drawing approximately 1,000 visitors per month from various states. This park has become a beacon for outdoor recreation, with partnerships enhancing its offerings, including horseback riding. A recent documentary on the trails aims to further promote this hidden gem.
As Louisiana’s seafood industry adapts, new legislation mandates restaurants to label imported seafood, ensuring consumers are informed about what they eat. “We want people to ask before they eat,” Nungesser said, emphasizing the importance of supporting local fishermen.
In environmental efforts, the state’s largest litter removal initiative, Love the Boot Week, saw over 19,441 volunteers contribute 100,712 hours to clean up a record 347 tons of litter. Nungesser is determined to maintain momentum, stating, “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas until we have no more trash in Louisiana.”
As Louisiana emerges as a premier travel destination, officials are confident that these concerted efforts will not only boost tourism but also enhance local economies and community pride. For more information on volunteering and state initiatives, visit explorelouisiana.com.
Stay tuned for more updates as Louisiana continues to shine in the travel spotlight.
