National Tourism Week – Spotlighting Louisiana’s Tourism Industry

If we asked you what is one of Louisiana's fastest growing tourism destinations over the past five years, what would you say? New Orleans is always very popular. The state certainly has an abundance of sporting events and lots of hunting and fishing too. What if we told you that one of the state's fastest growing tourism destinations is the city of Monroe and the surrounding area?

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is on the road this week  spotlighting some our state's great tourism destinations and he told the Louisiana Radio Network that believe it or not the Monroe area has seen a huge growth in tourism for one very specific reason.

"Obviously in Monroe, where the combination of Poverty Point and the interest in 'Duck Dynasty' has really spurred a lot of tourism in that part of the state."

Dardenne's tour is part of National Tourism Week and having visitors stop by is not just a way of life in the Bayou State, it's big business for our state. Last year it's estimated that 29 million people visited Louisiana. They spent about $11 billion dollars while they were visiting Louisiana. According to Dardenne,

"Which translates to $836 million in state sales tax revenue that was not paid by any Louisianian.  It was paid by people who were visiting our state."

That's why we here at 97.3 The Dawg always have our welcome mat out for visitors. We also like to point out some of the great tourist destinations you might not be aware of. Have you had your picture made with the Ossun Rocket?  We're trying to make sure Mr. Dardenne takes a moment to visit that site when he is on his tour of the state this week.