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Louisiana Office of Tourism Named 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year
Southeast Tourism Society Recognizes Record-Breaking Year for Louisiana
The Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) was named the 2016 State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society during its Shining Example Awards in Birmingham, AL. Misty Shaw, Louisiana Office of Tourism, accepted the award from Bill Hardman, Jr., president & CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. LOT was recognized for its fourth consecutive record-breaking year in tourism. In 2015, Louisiana welcomed 28.9 million visitors to the state who spent $11.5 billion generating $843 million in state tax revenue.
“Tourism is the best investment our state can make as we see a return of $38 for every $1 invested,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Through the maximization of our resources, we have been able to develop new markets, set industry benchmarks in social media, and create the largest international travel trade mission in Louisiana’s history with nearly 30 delegates hosting functions in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada.”
This marks the second time LOT has been named the State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society, winning the award in 2013. Recently, LOT was honored with three Mercury Awards – Best Travel Website, Best Social Media Campaign, and Judges’ Choice for Best Overall Campaign – by the National Council of State Tourism Directors and the U.S. Travel Association.
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Tourism leaders travel to China to tap into a booming Far East Travel Market
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The Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT), along with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), and state tourism leaders teamed up with Travel South USA to attract a growing number of Chinese travelers to the state and city. Representatives from Louisiana participated in a Travel South USA International Sales Mission to Shanghai and Beijing reinforcing interest in the southern United States to Chinese international travelers, especially Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. Prior to the sales mission, LOT Assistant Secretary Kyle Edmiston participated in the China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit in Yinchuan, China, promoting Louisiana’s culture, cuisine, and outdoor experiences to tourism leaders.
In 2015, approximately 2.5 million Chinese travelers visited the United States, making China the 4th largest country for long-bound international travel to the U.S. That number is expected to increase to 3 million in 2016, and by 2021, double to 6 million visitors, moving China into the top spot for the number of long-bound travelers to our country and exceeding the number of visitors from Germany, France, and Australia combined.
From Louisiana, the following participated in the Travel South USA led event:
- Kyle Edmiston, Louisiana Office of Tourism
- Kim Priez, New Orleans CVB
- Mike Prejean, Louisiana Office of Tourism
- Kevin Kelly, Houmas House Plantation
- Doug Bourgeois, Louisiana Office of Tourism
- Harolyn Falgoust, Monroe/West Monroe CVB
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Louisiana Tourism Delegates at the Travel South USA International Sales Mission in Beijing and Shanghai, China.
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Kim Priez, Senior VP of Tourism with the New Orleans CVB, talks with Chinese Tour Operators.
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Assistant Secretary Kyle Edmiston, Louisiana Office of Tourism, addresses the crowd at the China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit in Yinchuan, China.
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Chinese Tour Operators learn all about Louisiana at the Travel South USA International Sales MIssion.
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Noted LA Chefs Bring a Taste of Louisiana to the Lowcountry
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Eight prominent Louisiana chefs are headed to the Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina, to feature the state's world-class cuisine in several of their favorite restaurants.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association have partnered with
Garden & Gun
magazine to present "Louisiana in the Lowcountry Restaurant Night." For one night, the people of Charleston can experience special menus featuring Louisiana seafood with the distinct flavor found only in the Bayou State.
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Participating Louisiana chefs include:
- Chef Kevin Thompson, Favorites Southern Kitchen in Lake Charles
- Chef John Valenzuela, Quebedeaux's Boudin & Cracklins in Alexandria
- Chef Blake Phillips, Restaurant Sage in Monroe
- Chef Jared Rising, Golden Nugget in Lake Charles
- Chef Alex Harrell, Angeline in New Orleans
- Chef Jared Tees, 18 STEAK in Baton Rouge
- Chef Marc Krampe, Social Southern Table & Bar in Lafayette
- Chef Jeffery Hansell, Oxlot 9 in Covington.
EVENT LINK
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UK's JustAboutTravel.net Explores Northrup Trail, Cenla Sites
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Central Louisiana's Solomon Northrup Trail was the focus of ta recent piece on JustAboutTravel.net, a prominent UK blog. In addition to tracing sites tied to the Hollywood blockbuster "12 Years a Slave,: author Lynn Houghton also explored regional outdoor recreation via Kisatchie National Forest trails.
READ THE BLOG
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Delegate Slots Open for France Mission
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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will lead a Louisiana delegation to Paris and Lyon, France, from January 30-February 3. LOT will host events focused on media, tour operators, and travel agents in each city. There is a $1,500 participation fee which will include all hosted functions, meetings, and round-trip train accommodations from Paris to Lyon. Partners are responsible for air travel, transfers, lodging accommodations, and non-function meals. To register or for more information, please contact Mike Prejean at mprejean@crt.la.gov or 225.342.4354.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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- Oct. 3-4: LOT/LTPA Culinary Trails Mission - Louisiana in the Lowcountry - Charleston, SC
- Oct. 24-26: Marketing Outlook Forum, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Nov. 7-9: World Travel Market, London
- Nov. 9-10: LACVB Meeting, Lafayette
- Nov. 28-30: 5th Annual Travel South International Showcase, Atlanta
- Dec. 5-9: USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace, Scottsdale, AZ
- Dec. 15-16: LTPA Board Meeting, Monroe
- Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Louisiana Sales Mission to Paris and Lyon, France
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