Visitation and spending rates increase locally and statewide in 2023

WEST MONROE, La.  ( KTVE/KARD ) — According to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana had increases in visitor spending and visitation in 2023.

Per MMGY Global, Louisiana welcomed 43 million domestic and international visitors. This was an increase of 420,000 from 2022 over the course of 2023. Visitors spent a total of $18.1 billion, which was an increase of 5.4% from 2022.

Director of the Louisiana Travel Association’s Board, Alana Cooper, says that spending also increased in Monroe and West Monroe.  The area sees an increase in expenditures from those visiting places such as the Pecanland Mall or attending sporting events.

Cooper says that sports teams traveling to the University of Louisiana Monroe increased visitation exponentially.  Other complexes that are often visited are West Monroe Sports and Events on Constitution Drive, as well as the Ouachita Sportsplex located on Holland Drive in Monroe.

Cooper tells us that restaurants are also very popular among visitors.

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says that it is very exciting to see the increase, as hard work is being implemented to bring back “recording breaking numbers” prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a full list of facilities and events taking place in Monroe and West Monroe, CLICK HERE.

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