Joanne Scalamogna, Canadian Rep, Louisiana Office of Tourism;
Jennifer Chaumont, Lake Charles CVB;
Mike Prejean, Louisiana Office of Tourism;
Kimmie Carlos, New Orleans Plantation Country; Ben Berthelot, Lafayette CVC; Maria Manzella, New Orleans CVB
With his charming southern accent,
Mike Prejean welcomed guests
Sunwing's Maureen Maheu & Reg Mendes with ACV's Nancy Jeronimo
Bruce Slade, Huntington Travel;
Meg Murgatroyd, CAA South Central Ontario; Mike Prejean & Thomas Cook's
Paul Holinaty
Guests enjoyed a delicious steak lunch at Ruth's Chris
Good ol’ fashion southern hospitality is something I don’t get to experience very often. So when the Louisiana Office of Tourism extended an invitation to an appreciation luncheon, I didn’t hesitate to accept. Everyone must have had the same idea since 50 other travel professionals including reps from Sunwing, Thomas Cook and Air Canada Vacations attended the event at YTO’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
With enthusiasm and of course, a charming Southern accent, Mike Prejean, the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s International Manager, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism took the time to thank Louisiana’s Canadian partners who have contributed to its tourism success.
Canadians are the destination’s largest international market and the numbers continue to soar. From 2010-2012, Canadian visitors to the state have increased by 24%. It helps that Air Canada offers daily nonstop service from YYZ to MSY. “I don’t know why, but you people just get out there and go,” said Prejean as he praised his northern neighbours for their love of travel.
Members of the Lake Charles CVB, Lafayette CVC, New Orleans CVB and New Orleans Plantation Country were also on hand to share some of the latest developments from their regions.
Jennifer Chaumont of the Lake Charles CVB told guests that Lake Charles will soon be home to the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center. Once completed, the 60,000 sq. ft. facility will become a major attraction with state-of-the-art interactive experiences and engaging educational programs.
According to Ben Berthelot of the Lafayette CVC, Lafayette is the center of Cajun culture in Louisiana and was named the Tastiest Town of the South by Southern Living Magazine. Just thinking about this city’s ample Creole and Cajun culinary delights makes my mouth water.
Kimmie Carlos of the New Orleans Plantation Country mentioned that a new 22 room inn is set to open in March 2013. But for guests who prefer more action and wish to stay in the city, there are many plantations available for day trips out of New Orleans.
And last but not least, there’s New Orleans. “New Orleans is our hook. It’s our door to the world,” said Prejean.
“What other city can host the Super Bowl and Mardis Gras in the same month?” asked Maria Manzella of the New Orleans CVB. Needless to say, February will be a very busy month for the popular destination.
If the hospitality in Louisiana is truly anything like what we experienced in just the 1 afternoon – a delicious meal, warm and inviting conversation – it’s little wonder why Canadians continue to flock to the southern state.
