The Louisiana Office of Tourism, the official tourism promotionalagency for the state of Louisiana, USA, organized its first mission to India from September 23 to 27,2024 in Mumbai and New Delhi. The objective of this mission was to increase destination awarenessamongst the travel and media on the diverse range of tourism offerings available for potential Indianvisitors. The mission was led by Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana state, and DougBourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with Louisiana’spartners Visit Lake Charles, New Orleans & Company, and Mississippi River Country.
Visitor numbers from India to the USA continue to set new records. After the rapid recovery in visitorarrivals in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, there has been an impressive growth of 35% inarrivals to the USA between January- July 2024, making India the second-largest overseas market forthe USA. Louisiana, with its cultural experiences, unique local cuisines, music & entertainment,outdoors, and vibrant festivals, is a perfect extension for Indians planning a holiday in the US.
Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Market DevelopmentCooperator Program, the expansion to the India market includes collaboration with U.S. CommercialServices and the U.S. Embassy as part of the International Travel Office’s efforts.
Louisiana is conveniently located in the Southeastern region of the United States and is easilyaccessible from major gateway cities of New York, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta,making it a great addition to any USA itinerary. The primary gateway to Louisiana by air is NewOrleans, with its newly renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport, facilitating easy access fromall important Indian outbound cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.
In 2024, Louisiana is celebrating the “Year of Music,” highlighting its rich musical heritage as thebirthplace of Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco forms of music. This campaign aims to attract visitors fromaround the world by showcasing the state’s vibrant and unique musical legacy.
“We’re very excited to have continued our work in India,” said Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary ofTourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism. “The Indian traveler is looking for the kind of authenticexperiences, amazing music and delicious food that Louisiana is known for. We can’t wait to welcomeeven more visitors from India to our great state.”
