Louisiana Tourism Team Promotes State to International Travel Agents

Louisiana Tourism Delegates Target International Travel Markets in Paris and Chicago

Tourism stands as Louisiana’s fourth-largest industry, drawing 45 million visitors who generated nearly $20 billion in spending last year, according to a report cited by WAFB. To maintain and expand that economic momentum, the state’s international travel team has deployed representatives across the globe to pitch Louisiana as a destination for travelers.

Team members recently returned from Paris, where the Atchafalaya Basin Landing featured prominently on advertisements deployed across the city’s metro transit system. While promoting foundational state draws like local food, music, and Mardi Gras celebrations, the delegation also pushes specific geographic itineraries, including guided tours up the Mississippi River, tailoring its pitch to the distinct interests of regional audiences.

Hospitality and Cultural Exchange Drive Global Pitch

Billy Nungesser points to human interactions as the core asset that separates Louisiana from competing tourism hubs.

“The thing that I’m most proud of is as we travel the world, and I ask travel agents, why do you send people to Louisiana? We hear the food, the music, the culture. But every one of them has a story about the way we treat people. We treat strangers like family. And they leave here with a friend for life, and they just keep coming back for more,” Nungesser said.

Gov. Billy Nungesser

The international push continues concurrently across multiple fronts. A delegation of Louisiana chefs is currently operating in Chicago to showcase regional cuisine, while a separate contingent remains stationed in France, traveling to additional cities to meet face-to-face with travel trade professionals.

New Orleans Prepares to Host Global Industry Summit

The international strategy builds toward a major domestic milestone next year, when Louisiana will host the International POW WOW in New Orleans. The upcoming conference will bring 6,000 travel agents from around the world directly into the state to experience what Louisiana has to offer.