Jefferson tourism by the numbers

• In 2022, Jefferson Parish generated nearly $2 billion in visitor spending, a 7% increase over 2019.

• Jefferson Parish is the 2nd largest tourism economy in the state.

• 20,748 jobs and $614 million in employment earnings were generated by visitor spending.

• Visitors contributed to $194 million in state and local tax revenues for Jefferson Parish, a 22% increase over 2021 and a 9% increase since 2019.

• State and local taxes paid by visitors saved Jefferson Parish households $1,138 in taxes.

SOURCE: LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM 2022 VISITOR SPENDING REPORT

Destination Development

With a three to five year strategy approach, the JCVB, in partnership with DC Consultancy Group, worked with the five Jefferson Parish districts to assess and prepare a priority based plan determining the best tourism product experiences pertinent to attractions, events retail/hospitality services and related infrastructure within each district's community. Stakeholder, community/civic meetings and surveys were conducted to garner insights and opinions. An overall Jefferson Parish Destination Development Plan determining priority projects for advocacy support and current/potential future funding will be presented in 2023.

2022 welcomed new and renewed business and initiatives for growth into 2023.

• Two new Mardi Gras parades rolled in Jefferson. The Krewe of TCQNO (Culinary Queens of New Orleans), an organization dedicated to honoring women who are making history in the food and beverage industry, rolled in Marrero and the Krewe of Symphony, an all-male social and pleasure club, paraded in Metairie.

• Hubig's Pies, a New Orleans tradition since 1921, reopened in Jefferson Parish offering the famous fruit and sweet-filled fried pies. Located in Jefferson near the Huey P. Long Bridge, these pies add new sweetness to the visitor experience.

• Treasure Chest Casino broke ground on its new land-based location adjacent to the existing riverboat casino. The facility located in Kenner is slated to include a 47,000 sq. ft. casino, 10,000 sq. ft. of convention space, restaurants, bars, and a FanDuel Sportsbook.

• Airborne X, an indoor adventure park, opened its doors to fun for the entire family. From zip lining over the trampoline park to obstacle courses and arcade games, these adventures are located in Harvey.

• Movie Poster Archives Gallery, a treasure trove for movie buffs, features posters, photos, stills, min-posters, and lobby cards from around the world and is located in Gretna.

• Fat City's Vieux Carre Shopping Center was rebranded as The Shops on Seventeenth. The property located in Metairie is just over 20,000 sq. ft., featuring 11 storefronts located at the west corner of Severn Avenue and 17th Street.

• Inland Seafood, the largest seafood distributor in the Southeast, opened its full-scale distribution facility in Jefferson. Inland Seafood will help sustain the regional seafood industry that visitors expect to enjoy. Located in Elmwood.

2022 Destination Influencers

• Allstate Sugarbowl Prep Classic

• Mardi Gras

• Family Gras

• Gretna Heritage Festival

• Lucky Bags National Cornhole Tournament

• Elite Redfish Series

• Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo

• Lafitte Seafood Festival

• Louisiana Fire Juniors Soccer

• First Robotics

• Disabled American Veterans

• Top Taco Fest

• Gator Classic Soccer Tournament

• New Orleans Champions Cup Soccer Tournament

• National Collegiate Rugby

• Uncle Sam Jam

• Zurich Classic