The 2024 National Travel and Tourism Week was celebrated in a ceremony held at the National Park Service’s Cane River Creole National Historical Park headquarters in the newly restored Texas and Pacific Railway Depot Thursday, May 23. The event was a collaboration between the National Park Service, the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, and the Cane River National Heritage Area.
Natchitoches CVB Executive Director Arlene Gould presented some statistics about travel and tourism’s economic impact in our state and parish. In 2022, visitors spent $74 million dollars in Natchitoches Parish that supported 840 jobs. Visitors spent $8.7 million dollars in taxes which saved parish residents $806.00 per household in taxes that were collected from non-residents instead of locals. Tourism is big business in our state and parish!
One of the more pleasant aspects of the event was the recognition of individuals who have contributed to making our community a welcoming place for visitors. Dustin Fuqua, Katrice Lacour and Tressee Powell were honored. In addition, individuals in the local tourism scene who are retiring were recognized. Arlene Gould will be retiring as Executive Director of the Natchitoches CVB effective June 28. She was recognized by her coworkers and the CVB Board with a certificate and memento of her service. She got her start in Natchitoches at Melrose Plantation where she worked for 3 years followed by 17 years as CVB Executive Director. Ricky Guin, one of the original employees of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum was honored for his years of service to the state. He will retire in August. Lastly, iconic hospitality legend Marilyn Demars was honored for her incredible 53 years of service. She received a citation from the Louisiana Restaurant Association as well as a Congressional Commendation from House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson.
It is a testament to the power of travel and tourism in our state and parish that the day’s event was attended by five travel writers from Ontario and Montreal, Canada. They are on a tour of Louisiana attractions sponsored by the Office of the Lt. Governor. Natchitoches should give them plenty to write about!
