Louisiana Office of Tourism

Louisiana Office of Tourism

Louisiana has figured out the formula for how best to mix business with pleasure. The bayou state boasts the highest percentage of African Americans within its traveler base in the whole country. With a well-deserved reputation for great food, music and fun, Louisiana is heating up its invitation to businesses and conventioneers to take a look at the state.

In March, a group of African American meeting planners from across the country took a familiarization tour of Louisiana, organized by the Louisiana Office of Tourism and area convention and visitor's bureaus. The tour took meeting planners to the heart of Louisiana, to the people and places, the sights and sounds that make the state unique.

The guests surveyed a wide array or convention and meeting facilities--both on and off the beaten path--sampling the local flavor along the way at stops in Natchitoches, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Lafayette and New Orleans. They were also introduced to some of the cultural sites, restaurants and attractions featured in Textures, Louisiana's award-winning African American travel directory.

While the immediate goal of the trip was to bring more group meetings to Louisiana, tour organizers are hoping it will result in even more. Already, many business travelers admit to visiting Louisiana and falling in love with the way of life. Louisiana is confident that when travelers discover how great a place the state is in which to do business, they'll find it hard to leave at all and stay to live and work.

To explore Louisiana--for business or pleasure--order a free copy of Textures, Louisiana's African American travel directory, by calling 1-800-945-7929.