| FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO As the tourism industry
of 67.5% for 2021, 35% higher than 2020 and slightly
steadily moves forward with
higher that the 61% achieved in 2019, which remains
a flurry of announcements of
the baseline for growth. The same trend holds true for
new openings of attractions
average daily rate from $90 in 2020 to $113 for 2021.
and businesses over the
The demand for rooms follows the occupancy numbers
past year, and with the area
with a u-shaped curve from 2019 to 2021. With the
recovering from a variety
rise in occupancy and demand from 2019 to 2021, the
of obstacles, the trajectory
RevPAR (revenue per available room) went from an
remains steadfast with the vision of promise for
average of $50 per available room to an average of $76
Southwest Louisiana. Revisiting 2021, the state of the
in 2021.
tourism industry in Southwest Louisiana is indelibly tied to the events of 2020 from the pandemic and
Despite face-to-face events beginning later in 2021,
the cavalcade of devastating storms that touched
many sporting events were back in full swing during
the southwest corner of the state. The good news is
the first quarter. Southwest Louisiana had several
that healthy conversations are taking place with a
successes hosting tournaments including the LHSAA
myriad of partners from governmental entities to
Girls’ Basketball Semifinals, LHSAA Boys’ Basketball
private business leaders and the public at large to re-
Championships, LHSAA Softball Championships,
imagine the future for Southwest Louisiana. These
LHSAA Baseball Championships, a variety of five New
conversations include quality of life initiatives and
Balance Future Stars Series tournaments, the Jennie
tourism product enhancements that will attract future
Finch World Series, five 2D Sports Showcase events,
visitation in a host of creative ways.
16 USSSA Youth Baseball events, the LHSAA Swim state championships, and the LSU-E/Lake Charles
Considering the rebuilding that many restaurants,
New Year’s Classic Women’s Basketball Tournament.
hotels, retail outlets, and places of business undertook
It was uplifting for everyone in the industry to see the
in 2021, the Visit Lake Charles Welcome Center was
meetings and conventions sector return including the
no exception to the widespread destruction that
Rendezvous South Conference, as well as the World
Southwest Louisiana strived to overcome last year.
LNG & Gas Series: Americas Summit & Exhibition.
We marched right alongside others in Southwest Louisiana in collective efforts to restore brick-and-
While we are swiftly moving through 2022, it is clear
mortar infrastructure for visitors and residents alike.
that everyone in Southwest Louisiana pulled together
Despite recovering from natural disasters and a
and was focused on recovery in 2021. We have come
workforce shortage that largely impacted the tourism
a long way as a destination, and the team at Visit
sector, later in 2021, visitors flocked to the area at the
Lake Charles is poised to promote the array of future
highest rate in history.
offerings that are underway in Southwest Louisiana.
Occupancy rate in Calcasieu Parish reached new alltime highs during 2021. January and February were slower months, but the spring brought leisure travelers back in force with occupancy rates in excess of 75%
Kyle Edmiston, CDME
for several months and an average occupancy rate
President/CEO
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