Excerpted from T3 News Network:

“Brand USA, the destination-marketing organization for the United States has unveiled a new consumer campaign and website, www.gousa.in, as the organisation works to increase inbound tourism to the United States. Through this new interactive campaign, “See How Far You Can Go,” Brand USA illustrates the diversity of the United States and invites travellers to share their own unique experiences.

The ‘See How Far You Can Go’ consumer campaign spans a variety of advertising and media platforms including, online videos, out-of-home signage, high impact online display ads, and social media posts that will drive awareness of the new campaign and inspire visitation to the USA. The campaign launches with an innovative social-first approach, concentrating on shareable and relatable imagery and video content whose first person viewpoint will draw consumers into the frame and make them feel like they could have captured the shots themselves.  Music will also play a significant role in the new campaign, with music tracks tailored to individual personas and reflective of sounds distinct to the USA.”

To read more about this new venture, please click here.

The Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau is promoting a partnership between McIhenny and the Basin Street Station Visitor Information and Cultural Center in New Orleans to offer one-day excursions to Avery Island to tour the world famous Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens.

The round trip bus tour will depart Basin Street Station at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, returning that afternoon. For $65, visitors will get a round trip transportation to Avery Island, a tour of the expanded Tabasco Factory, lunch at Restaurant 1868, and a tour of the updated Jungle Gardens.

For reservations and questions, call 337-373-6139 or email CountryStore@Tabasco.com.

Room 5, an online hotel magazine powered by trivago, recently featured Lafayette and all the food, fun, and great places to rest up for you next adventure. Here is an excerpt from the article:

“The culture of Lafayette, much like its food, is seasoned with a taste of Cajun French and Louisiana Creole. The culinary scene here is celebrated with titles like “Tastiest Town of the South” and “Best Food City” and has a distinct identity that is steeped in tradition. Mixed with the inventiveness of young chefs re-creating what modern Cajun cuisine can be, we suggest you come hungry.”

To read the full feature story on trivago's website, please click here.

Named after the founder of Zatarain’s, Emile the Crawfish became the first crustacean to ever receive a pardon from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to kick off crawfish season. Beginning this year, the first Tuesday following Mardi Gras Day will be known as the Annual Pardoning of the Crawfish because a turkey shouldn’t be the only animal to receive a pardon. Emile was selected from the other brave crawfish raised in Louisiana will meet their fate with courage and sacrifice. With the official pardon, Emile will be saved from being served in any boil, etouffee, po-boy, or dish imagined by any Chef or Cajun.

To read more about the inaugural pardoning, and to see video of the event, please click here.