Louisiana’s Tourism Boom: Lt. Gov. Nungesser Promotes State NOW
UPDATE: Louisiana’s tourism industry is surging as Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser actively promotes the state as a premier travel destination. With 43 million visitors recorded in 2023, Nungesser’s efforts are paying off, with total spending hitting an impressive $18.1 billion, marking a 5.4 percent increase from the previous year.
Travel interest is skyrocketing as the state rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Nungesser announced plans to spend a week in Canada, targeting a market that constitutes 33 percent of Louisiana’s international visitors. “Those Canadians love them some Louisiana,” he said during a recent Rotary Club meeting in Lake Charles.
Nungesser’s team has leveraged a U.S. Commerce Department grant to amplify Louisiana’s visibility in international hotspots including Mumbai, Madrid, and Milan. The strategy includes showcasing Louisiana’s unique culture, heritage, and culinary offerings. In a dynamic marketing push, taxi cabs in Paris became rolling billboards to attract tourists, while sponsorship of the London Jazz Festival expanded the state’s reach.
The impact of these initiatives is evident, as international visitation surged by 16.9 percent last year, with foreign visitors spending $1.7 billion. Nungesser highlighted the return on investment from participating in high-profile events, such as the Rose Parade in California, where a Louisiana-themed float captured the attention of millions.
“Participation in the parade allows us to drive awareness about our state as a vacation destination,” Nungesser stated. The media coverage from the parade reached an estimated 10.4 billion people, valued at $144.9 million.
Moreover, Nungesser revealed that Louisiana’s state parks have transformed, with all seven once threatened with closure now operating profitably. The Bogue Chitto State Park has gained national recognition for its mountain biking trails, attracting approximately 1,000 visitors per month from various states. The park recently expanded by acquiring an additional 600 acres to enhance recreational activities.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism oversees nine museums, with plans to introduce new legislation aimed at ensuring all museums operate on weekends, making them more accessible to visitors. Nungesser envisions utilizing social media campaigns to promote unique attractions, including ghost stories and local history, to draw in tourists.
Legislative measures also focus on protecting Louisiana’s seafood industry, mandating clear labeling of imported seafood in restaurants. “We want people to ask before they eat,” Nungesser emphasized, aiming to support local fishermen and enhance the quality of seafood available to consumers.
In a community-focused initiative, Love the Boot Week mobilized over 19,441 volunteers last year, dedicating 100,712 hours to beautification efforts across all 64 parishes. The campaign successfully removed a record 347 tons of litter from Louisiana’s landscapes, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among residents.
As Louisiana continues to position itself as a leading travel destination, Nungesser encourages both locals and visitors to engage in these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in showcasing the state’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
For more information about volunteering and upcoming events, visit explorelouisiana.com. Stay tuned for more updates as Louisiana’s tourism industry evolves and attracts even more visitors in the coming months.
