The Louisiana Office of Tourism, the state’s official tourism agency, recently made its debut in India with a mission that ran from September 23 to 27, 2024, in Mumbai and New Delhi. This initiative aimed to boost awareness of Louisiana's diverse tourism offerings among Indian travelers and media. Leading the charge were Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, joined by partners from Visit Lake Charles, New Orleans & Company, and Mississippi River Country.
India's visitor numbers to the USA have been breaking records, with a remarkable 35% increase in arrivals from January to July 2024, making it the second-largest overseas market for the country. Louisiana, known for its rich cultural experiences, unique cuisine, lively music scene, outdoor adventures, and vibrant festivals, is an ideal destination for Indians planning their U.S. vacation.
This mission was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Market Development Cooperator Program and involved collaboration with U.S. Commercial Services and the U.S. Embassy as part of broader international travel efforts.
Located in the Southeastern U.S., Louisiana is easily accessible from major gateway cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. New Orleans, with its recently renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport, serves as the primary air gateway, providing convenient access from key Indian cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
In 2024, Louisiana is also celebrating the "Year of Music," showcasing its rich musical heritage as the birthplace of Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco. This campaign aims to draw visitors from around the world by highlighting the state’s vibrant musical legacy.
Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, expressed enthusiasm about continuing outreach in India: “The Indian traveler seeks authentic experiences, amazing music, and delicious food, all of which Louisiana is famous for. We can’t wait to welcome even more visitors from India to our great state.”