UPDATE: Louisiana is making waves as the travel industry rebounds, with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser leading the charge to keep the Bayou State top of mind for global travelers. With a surge in tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nungesser and his team are actively promoting Louisiana as a premier travel destination.
In 2023, Louisiana welcomed 43 million domestic and international visitors, generating a remarkable $18.1 billion in spending. This represents a 5.4 percent increase over 2022, with international visitation spiking by 16.9 percent, translating to $1.7 billion in spending. “Those Canadians love them some Louisiana,” Nungesser stated during a recent Rotary Club meeting in Lake Charles, highlighting Canada as a significant market, accounting for about 33 percent of Louisiana’s international visitors.
Nungesser’s promotional efforts include a recent campaign funded by a U.S. Commerce Department grant, targeting cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Madrid, and Milan. This summer, the team will embark on a week-long trip to Canada to further boost awareness of Louisiana’s unique French heritage.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism has also made strides in creative marketing strategies, such as wrapping taxi cabs in Paris to serve as rolling billboards and sponsoring high-profile events like the London Jazz Festival. Participation in the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena showcased an alligator-themed float, with Nungesser noting, “The return on investment for the Rose Parade has been incredible.” Recent media coverage from the parade reached an estimated 10.4 billion people, valued at $144.9 million.
The focus on tourism is complemented by improvements in Louisiana’s state parks. Under Nungesser’s leadership, once-threatened parks are now profitable, welcoming over 1.75 million visitors last year. An ambitious goal is underway to establish resort conference centers within these parks to attract more visitors for events and conferences, which can range from 300 to 500 attendees.
Bogue Chitto State Park is emerging as a top destination, drawing 1,000 visitors per month from multiple states due to its mountain biking trails. Nungesser emphasized the park’s partnerships that have revitalized local tourism: “These two private-public partnerships have put Washington Parish on the map,” he stated, highlighting the park’s recent acquisition of an additional 600 acres for trail expansion.
In the realm of cultural promotion, Nungesser’s office oversees nine museums, with plans to enhance accessibility by introducing legislation to ensure all museums operate on weekends. The office has also acquired the domain LouisianaMuseums.com to promote tourism through engaging video content.
On the seafood front, new legislation mandates restaurants to clearly label imported seafood, ensuring consumers are informed about their choices. “We want people to ask before they eat,” Nungesser said, stressing the importance of supporting local fishermen.
Additionally, the state continues its commitment to environmental initiatives. The annual “Love the Boot Week” has seen 19,441 volunteers dedicate over 100,712 hours to litter removal, achieving a record of 347 tons of litter cleared across all 64 parishes. “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas until we have no more trash in Louisiana,” he affirmed.
As Louisiana’s tourism sector experiences unprecedented growth and recognition, Nungesser’s efforts are driving the state toward a bright future, making it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as Louisiana continues to capture the hearts of explorers everywhere. For more information on volunteering or visiting, visit explorelouisiana.com.
