URGENT UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is ramping up efforts to position Louisiana as a top travel destination, targeting international markets as tourism rebounds post-pandemic. With 43 million visitors in 2023 alone, Nungesser is determined to keep the Bayou State at the forefront of travelers’ minds.
New reports confirm that Nungesser’s office has leveraged a U.S. Commerce Department grant to promote Louisiana in key international cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Madrid, and Milan. In just a few months, the team will head to Canada, which constitutes 33 percent of Louisiana’s international market. “Those Canadians love them some Louisiana,” Nungesser stated during a recent Rotary Club meeting in Lake Charles.
The push to increase visibility includes innovative marketing strategies like wrapping taxi cabs in Paris to serve as mobile billboards, as well as sponsoring high-profile events such as the London Jazz Festival. In 2023, Louisiana saw a remarkable 16.9 percent increase in international visitors, leading to spending of $1.7 billion.
Highlighting Louisiana’s unique culture, Nungesser discussed the state’s participation in prominent parades, including the Rose Parade in California. “The return on investment for the Rose Parade has been incredible,” he noted, citing that the media coverage reached an estimated 10.4 billion viewers and was valued at $144.9 million. Volunteers from Louisiana not only built floats decorated with local materials but also showcased the state’s cuisine, making the event a celebration of Louisiana culture.
Beyond parades, Nungesser is focusing on revitalizing Louisiana’s state parks and museums. Nearly a decade ago, seven parks were threatened with closure, but through community efforts, they now turn a profit. The Louisiana Office of State Parks welcomed over 1.75 million visitors last year and aims to establish resort conference centers to attract even more tourists and boost local economies.
Among the standout locations is Bogue Chitto State Park, which has gained national recognition for its mountain biking trails. “A thousand people a month from 10-15 states go to Washington Parish for this mountain bike trail,” Nungesser reported, emphasizing the significant economic impact of this partnership.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance tourism, Nungesser’s office oversees nine museums and is pushing for all to remain open on weekends to maximize visitor engagement. “We want to promote all museums, especially those with unique attractions,” he stated, sharing plans to market local ghost stories and historical sites.
In light of recent legislation aimed at protecting Louisiana’s seafood industry, Nungesser underscored the importance of transparency in restaurants concerning imported seafood. “We want people to ask before they eat,” he asserted, reinforcing the value of supporting local fishermen.
Furthermore, Love the Boot Week has emerged as Louisiana’s largest litter removal initiative, with over 19,000 volunteers participating last year. Nungesser emphasized the importance of community involvement in beautifying the state, stating, “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas until we have no more trash in Louisiana.”
As Nungesser continues to drive efforts to promote Louisiana, he urges everyone to explore the Bayou State. With substantial investments in tourism marketing and community engagement, Louisiana is primed for a vibrant travel season.
For more information on volunteering or visiting, check out explorelouisiana.com. Stay tuned for more updates as Nungesser’s initiatives unfold.