Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who heads up Louisiana’s tourism, routinely travels the state encouraging residents to vacation in their own backyard.
“I guarantee them they will not be disappointed,” he said.
At one occasion a young girl asked Nungesser where he was going on his “staycation.” He spoke of Toledo Bend a top U.S. fishing destination and Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana. Putting action to his words, he booked a family vacation to both places. His family had such a good time, they talked about it for weeks.
Tourism is big business, Nungesser explained, drawing $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue and attracting visitors. In 2019, 54 new hotels will be under construction, adding to the current 100,000 hotel rooms throughout the state. This year will also see 400 festivals.
With all the unique places to visit, Nungesser asks, why travel anywhere else?
