Lake Charles, Louisiana will see three landmark attractions set to debut in 2025. The projects blend modern design with the city's southern culture and outdoor scenery. One of the year’s most anticipated openings is Port Wonder, a 23,000-square-feet lakeside facility opening in February. Located on the lakefront, this $30 million attraction will be a hub for exploration and learning. Inside, visitors will find the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, featuring interactive exhibits for young adventurers. Sharing the space is the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, the only attraction of its kind in the state. Guests can explore the freshwater and saltwater aquariums, get up close with stingrays in a touch tank, and enjoy hands-on STEM activities. Another major attraction Crying Eagle Brewing- Lakefront will open its doors in the summer. This full-service restaurant combines scenic views with a seafood-inspired menu and a microbrewery specializing in lagers. With a full bar offering cocktails and wine, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a busy day. The $12 million Crying Eagle Lakefront goes beyond dining with indoor and outdoor entertainment areas and a waterfront to-go station. Winter ushers in the new addition: Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, located in the heart of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District. This modern space will bring the magic of Mardi Gras to life with over 400 historic costumes spanning five decades. Animatronic figures, including the beloved Norah Jean, the talking dog from the Krewe of Barkus, add a touch of whimsy to this immersive experience. Designed to celebrate the family-friendly traditions of Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras culture, the museum is a nod of the area’s unique heritage. “We’re thrilled to offer visitors and locals alike experiences that highlight the best of Southwest Louisiana,” says Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles President and CEO.

  Explore Louisiana partnered with the London Jazz Festival 2024, for three specially curated concerts which took place this weekend and saw a great turnout.   This year, for the first time, Explore Louisiana and Visit the USA presented the #MyLouisiana series, three specially curated concerts inspired by the energy, culture and musical heritage of the state of Louisiana, with its deep and rich history in jazz.   The partnership centred on three very special shows on the closing weekend of the festival. Saturday saw special performance by representatives from Take Me To The River. Born from the desire to celebrate and preserve the rich musical history of Louisiana, Take Me To The River is a blend of musicians, educators and historians, united by a shared passion for music and culture. They are passionate to keep the river of music flowing for future generations.   On Sunday, the South Bank Centre featured a day of performances from a diverse roster of Louisiana Musicians including Orphy Robinson, who will lead a group of 50 amateur musicians to learn, rehearse and perform a suite of new music composed for this performance. The Joli Blon Cajun Project played traditional dance music from Louisiana: featuring accordion, fiddle and sung in Cajun French by a core trio of women.   The festival closed with a Louisiana themed party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Grammy award-winning band founded in 1977, blending brass band music with Bebop, Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul.   Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Explore Louisiana UK said “The London Jazz Festival 2024 celebrated the musical legacy of Louisiana which has been instrumental in so many genres of music that we listen to today.” He continued “We’re happy this partnership resulted in the bands playing to sold out venues in a blended celebration of Music.”   Explore Louisiana also hosted a special dinner for the media last week at the Household Cavalry Museum and met with members of the travel industry during the week.

  Explore Louisiana are partnering with the London Jazz Festival 2024, for three specially curated concerts which take place this weekend.   This year, Explore Louisiana and Visit the USA will present the #MyLouisiana series, three specially curated concerts inspired by the energy, culture and musical heritage of the state of Louisiana, with its deep and rich history in jazz.   The partnership centres on three very special shows on the closing weekend of the festival which are detailed below.   Before these, on Friday 22 November 2024, the Take Me To The River All Stars are working with Tomorrow’s Warriors to run an educational event and jam session to encourage and inspire your musicians here in London.   Saturday will see a special performance by representatives from the Take Me To The River All Stars. Born from the desire to celebrate and preserve the rich musical history of Louisiana, Take Me To The River is a blend of musicians, educators and historians, united by a shared passion for music and culture. They are passionate to keep the river of music flowing for future generations.   On Sunday, the South Bank Centre will feature a day of performances from a diverse roster of Louisiana Musicians including Orphy Robinson, who will lead a group of 50 amateur musicians to learn, rehearse and perform a suite of new music composed for this performance. The Joli Blon Cajun Project will play traditional dance music from Louisiana: featuring accordion, fiddle and sung in Cajun French by a core trio of women.   The festival will close with a Louisiana themed party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Grammy award-winning band founded in 1977, blending brass band music with Bebop, Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. Further information will be released regarding performances that will encompass the #MyLouisiana series.   Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Explore Louisiana UK said “The London Jazz Festival is the perfect place to celebrate the musical legacy of Louisiana which has been instrumental in so many genres of music that we listen to today.” He continued “Music is engrained in the soul of Louisiana, it’s the birthplace of jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop and more. It’s easy to plan a music inspired road trip through Louisiana by following the Louisiana Music Trail.”

Louisiana will be in the spotlight at this year’s London Jazz Festival showcasing both music and culture. For the first time Explore Louisiana and Visit the USA will present the #MyLouisiana series, three specially curated concerts inspired by the culture and musical heritage of Louisiana. The partnership centres on three special shows on the closing weekend of the festival. Saturday will see a special performance by representatives from Take Me To The River. This is a blend of musicians, educators and historians, sharing their passion for music and culture. On Sunday, the South Bank Centre will feature a day of performances from a diverse roster of Louisiana Musicians including Orphy Robinson, who will lead a group of 50 amateur musicians; They will learn, rehearse and perform a suite of new music composed specially for this performance. The Joli Blon Cajun Project will play traditional dance music from Louisiana: featuring accordion, fiddle and sung in Cajun French. The festival will close with a Louisiana themed party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Grammy award-winning band founded in 1977. They incorporate brass band music with Bebop, Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Explore Louisiana UK said "The London Jazz Festival is the perfect place to celebrate the musical legacy of Louisiana.” "It's easy to plan a music inspired road trip through Louisiana by following the Louisiana Music Trail."   EFG London Jazz Festival #MyLouisiana Series Saturday, 23 Nov - Take me To the River - Barbican Centre Sunday, 24 Nov - Louisiana all-dayer featuring Orphy Robinson, Joli Blon Cajun Project, The Brass Funkeys and DJ Lil' Koko - Clore Ballroom Sunday, 24 Nov - Louisiana Closing Party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Lafayette 

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  Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) announce Louisiana saw continued increases in visitation and visitor spending in 2023.   Louisiana received over half a million total international visitors in 2023, seeing a 45% increase in visitation from 2022. The United Kingdom emerged as the second largest visitor market to Louisiana, with 65,800 visitors last year, an excellent 14% increase from 2022.   “It’s exciting to see the increases to visitation and spending in Louisiana as we work to get back to record breaking numbers prior to the pandemic,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “I’m especially pleased to see the increase in numbers from international visitors. We know international visitors stay longer, visit more places and spend more money, making them extremely important to the economic impact of travel to the state. These increases are despite the challenges of increasing travel costs.”   “Through our proactive marketing and promotion of the state, not only domestically, but internationally, we expect to continue to see a steady return of visitors,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “People are excited to return to travel and experience all the ways to Feed Your Soul in Louisiana – and we’re just getting started.”   Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Louisiana Office of Tourism said “The continued growth of U.K visitation to Louisiana year on year validates the ongoing investment and presence in the UK & Ireland and is a testament to the passion and energy that our state partners bring when they meet with our industry colleagues and consumers. Louisiana continues to provide unrivalled experiences and memorable moments for visitors, and we look forward to continuing this trend over the coming years.”   LOT’s involvement in the U.K Market in 2023 included consumer activations at Waterloo Station and participation in the National Geographic Food Festival in London, featuring interactive and immersive campaigns to target U.K travellers to visit Louisiana.

  Discover the heart and soul of Louisiana through a captivating interview with Maria Manzella of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Maria unveils the state's irresistible allure, from its rich musical heritage to its delectable cuisine and boundless outdoor adventures. Highlighting the diversity of Louisiana's cultures and the warmth of its people, she showcases the state's penchant for celebration with an astonishing 400 festivals annually. With its unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality, Louisiana stands as a beacon for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Explore the magic of Louisiana at every turn, guided by Maria's expert insights.  

  Diana Hernandez from New Orleans Tourism vividly depicts the city's allure. Described as one of the world's most welcoming destinations, New Orleans embraces diversity, offering a non-judgmental atmosphere where visitors can truly be themselves. With its rich cultural tapestry, from urban exploration to renowned cuisine, the city captivates travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Recognized globally as a top food destination and the birthplace of jazz, blues, and the cocktail, New Orleans boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Through www.neworleans.com, travelers can access curated itineraries and event calendars, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this dynamic city.  

  Eugenie Mitchell, VP of Tourism Sales Lafayette Convention & Visitor Commission, paints a vivid picture of the city's cultural richness and natural beauty. From the unique Cajun and Creole heritage to the vibrant music scene pulsating through venues like the Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette promises a sensory journey like no other. Mitchell highlights the significance of food in local culture, inviting visitors to savor the flavors of gumbo and boudin sausage. Additionally, Lafayette's outdoor offerings, including swamp tours and wildlife encounters, underscore the city's allure for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Dive into Lafayette's enchanting world through Mitchell's captivating insights.  

  Embark on a journey to the enchanting town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, as Devon Corbello shares insights into its allure. Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, this hidden gem offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and culinary delights. From captivating hiking trails adorned with waterfalls to the renowned Myrtles Plantation, known for its ghostly tales, there's something for every adventurer. Dive into the culinary diversity, including locally sourced mushrooms that add a unique twist to Southern comfort cuisine. Uncover the secrets of St. Francisville at visitStFrancisvilleLA.com and plan your unforgettable getaway today.  

  In a delightful exchange at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly, London, Graham engages Marie Stagg from Visit Baton Rouge in a captivating dialogue unveiling the city's myriad treasures. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emerges as a mosaic of cultures, offering an enticing blend of culinary delights, pulsating live music, and rich historical experiences. Marie paints a vivid picture of the city's culinary landscape, where Cajun, Creole, and a myriad of international influences converge. From blues festivals to swamp tours and leisurely bike rides along the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge beckons with promises of unforgettable adventures. Through Marie's words, Baton Rouge emerges not just as a destination, but as an immersive journey into the heart of Louisiana's soul.  

  Graham McKenzie engages David Bradley of Visit Shreveport Bossier, uncovering the allure of this Louisiana gem. David paints a vivid picture of Shreveport Bossier's multifaceted appeal, from its scenic byway trails to quirky gas station tours, all serving as gateways to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Highlighting the city's pivotal role in music history, David traces its roots back to Elvis Presley's iconic beginnings at the Louisiana Hayride. With tantalizing culinary offerings blending Cajun, Creole, and Texan flavors, coupled with a thriving music scene featuring both legends and rising stars, Shreveport Bossier emerges as a must-visit destination. Conveniently located and easily accessible, it beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its vibrant spirit and Southern hospitality.  

  Jennifer Bertholdt, a prominent figure in Louisiana Tourism, discusses her plans for promoting the state. They emphasize the importance of destination stewardship, highlighting the enthusiasm of residents and ambassadors in sharing Louisiana's unique culture and attractions. Climate change is integrated into Louisiana's tourism strategy, focusing on sustainability in events like Mardi Gras and raising awareness about coastal wetland loss. The conversation underscores the deep connection between Louisiana's culture and its environment. Jennifer will be speaking at the World Travel Market, where she will showcase new properties, attractions, upcoming festivals, and the significance of music in Louisiana's cultural heritage.