Visit Baton Rouge recently underwent a rebranding and continues to promote tourism as a vital industry in Louisiana. Laura Cating, Senior VP of Marketing Communications, emphasized the importance of Tourism Day at the State Capitol, where industry representatives engage with legislators to highlight tourism’s statewide impact. Notably, Visit Baton Rouge operates independently, funded entirely by hotel and motel taxes paid by visitors, not local taxpayers.
In 2024, Baton Rouge welcomed 9 million visitors who spent nearly $2 billion, supporting over 38,000 tourism-related jobs. These roles span from entry-level hospitality positions to high-paying management roles, showcasing tourism as a career-rich industry. The organization also sponsored 60 community events across every ZIP code in the parish, from farmers markets to major festivals, reinforcing local culture and enhancing visitor experiences.
Two standout events in 2024 were the Louisiana Lights at the Burden Museum and Gardens, which attracted 40,000 attendees during the typically slow holiday season, and the Savannah Bananas baseball series at Alex Box Stadium. The latter drew over 30,000 fans across three nights, with ticket demand exceeding 140,000. The team’s viral popularity and unique entertainment style made their Baton Rouge appearance a major success, and they plan to return with expanded teams and events.
Looking ahead, 2025 is off to a strong start, defying national travel trends. Thanks to the Super Bowl’s regional impact and the United States Bowling Congress, Baton Rouge is seeing steady visitor traffic. The bowling event alone is expected to bring 58,000 bowlers and nearly 30,000 guests between March and July. These visitors are easily spotted downtown by their colorful shirts and rolling bowling bags, contributing to the local economy through dining, shopping, and entertainment. Visit Baton Rouge remains optimistic about continued growth and community engagement.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/