LT. GOVERNOR NUNGESSER AND OFFICE OF TOURISM TO PROMOTE LOUISIANA ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE AT IPW 2026

BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) and a delegation of tourism representatives from across the state are attending the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2026, the world’s leading inbound travel trade show, through Thursday, May 21, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where they will meet with travel buyers and media representatives from more than 60 countries.

“Louisiana continues to see strong momentum in both domestic and international visitation, and events like IPW give us an unmatched opportunity to showcase our state to the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “From our food and music to our outdoor adventures and rich culture, Louisiana offers experiences visitors cannot find anywhere else. We just had an incredible National Travel and Tourism Week in Louisiana, and I appreciate all the hard work our tourism and hospitality partners are doing to share our story on a global stage and invite travelers from around the world to experience our Sportsman’s Paradise.”

“As the popularity of the American South is growing, the competition to attract international visitors is at an all-time high. International visitors stay longer and spend more money when they travel to the states. We are working to make sure Louisiana stands out amongst the rest and is promoted in the best way possible so it becomes a part of their itinerary,” said Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois.

While attending IPW 2026, Lieutenant Governor Nungesser will participate in meetings with U.S. Travel Association leadership, connect with tourism industry stakeholders and tour the conference marketplace as Louisiana prepares to host the international event next year.

More than 6,000 attendees are expected when New Orleans hosts IPW in 2027, marking a major opportunity to showcase Louisiana’s tourism industry to global audiences.

Tourism remains Louisiana’s fourth-largest industry and supports more than 225,600 jobs statewide. In 2025, Louisiana welcomed 45 million visitors who generated $19.5 billion in visitor spending, saving each Louisiana household more than $1,317 in taxes.

“Every visitor who comes to Louisiana supports local jobs, restaurants, hotels, attractions and small businesses in communities across our state. Tourism continues to be one of Louisiana’s greatest economic success stories,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser.

As the leading inbound travel trade show in the United States, IPW has generated more than $26 billion in future travel through business appointments and media engagement, connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with international buyers and journalists.

Louisiana partners attending IPW 2026 include the Ascension Parish Tourism Commission, Explore Houma, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Visit Lake Charles, New Orleans & Company, St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission, Visit Baton Rouge, Visit Jefferson Parish, Visit The Northshore and Louisiana’s River Parishes, along with attractions, hotels and sightseeing tour operators from across the state.

During the conference, Louisiana Office of Tourism staff and statewide partners are expected to conduct approximately 300 appointments with travel representatives from around the globe. 

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