Ben Berthelot from the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau discusses tourism, events, and economic development in Lafayette, Louisiana.
- Tourism Success in Lafayette: Ben Berthelot highlights that Lafayette had a strong tourism year in 2024, achieving high hotel and motel receipts driven by increased rates and midweek transient traffic.1
- Major Events Boost Tourism: Lafayette hosted significant events like the USAA Karate National Championships, which not only generated room nights but also positioned Lafayette as a destination capable of hosting high-caliber events.1
- Mardi Gras and Local Attractions: Lafayette offers an affordable, family-friendly Mardi Gras experience without minimum night stays or parking fees, and features unique events like the Courir de Mardi Gras.23
- Growth in Youth Sports: Youth sports have become a major draw in Lafayette, with world-class facilities like the Youngsville Sports Complex and Broussard’s facility attracting numerous events and contributing to weekend tourism.45
- Economic Shifts Impacting Tourism: While midweek business was once driven by the oil industry, weekend tourism now surpasses midweek due to the rise in youth sports events.6
- Challenges in Tourism Recovery: Post-COVID, Lafayette is seeing a slow recovery in guided tours and tourism-related businesses, many of which went out of business during the pandemic.78
- Washington Mardi Gras Experience: Lafayette has maintained a presence at Washington Mardi Gras for nearly 20 years, using the event to strengthen business relationships and promote the city, all funded by the local business community.9
- Economic Development Highlights: Lafayette continues to grow economically, with significant developments such as the upcoming Bucky’s location, which will contribute to marketing and economic growth.1011
- University and Community Growth: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is expanding as a research institution, contributing to the city’s overall growth and success.11