Travel and tourism continue to drive major growth in Baton Rouge, according to leaders at Visit Baton Rouge. During National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Jill Kidder highlighted how the city continues to attract visitors through youth sports, family attractions, and a growing food scene.
Kidder said Baton Rouge tourism has expanded far beyond traditional vacation travel. Sports tourism now plays a major role in the local economy. Baton Rouge continues to grow its footprint in youth basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, pickleball, and other competitive sports.
Visit Baton Rouge is currently working with three organizations interested in building large indoor sports facilities in the parish. Those projects could become game changers for the local economy. Kidder said Baton Rouge already performs well in sports tourism, but new facilities would allow the city to host even larger regional and national tournaments.
The city also continues to benefit from major events like the U.S. Bowling Congress Open Championship. Kidder said the event brought more than 59,000 bowlers and another 90,000 family members and friends to Baton Rouge over 150 days. Those visitors bowled for 21 hours a day inside a transformed Raising Cane’s River Center featuring 54 lanes.
Food tourism also continues to grow. Baton Rouge restaurants recently gained recognition through the Michelin Guide for the American South. Kidder said local restaurants have seen major business growth after being included in the guide.
Family travel remains another key part of Baton Rouge tourism. Visitors continue to travel to the city for attractions like LSU, Mike the Tiger, museums, the zoo, and the Mississippi River. Kidder said Baton Rouge offers affordable travel options and a unique Louisiana culture that continues to attract visitors from across the country.