New Delhi, September 26, 2024: The Louisiana Office of Tourism, the official tourism promotional agency 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 awareness amongst the travel and media on the diverse range of tourism offerings available for potential Indian visitors. The mission was led by Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana state, and Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with Louisiana’s partners 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 visitor arrivals in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, there has been an impressive growth of 35% in arrivals to the USA between January-July 2024, making India the second-largest overseas market for the 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 Development Cooperator Program, the expansion to the India market includes collaboration with U.S. Commercial Services 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 easily accessible 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 New Orleans, with its newly renovated Louis Armstrong International Airport, facilitating easy access from all 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 the birthplace of Jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco forms of music. This campaign aims to attract visitors from around 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 of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism. “The Indian traveller is looking for the kind of authentic experiences, amazing music and delicious food that Louisiana is known for. We can’t wait to welcome even more visitors from India to our great state.”