Stacey Tinsley | Special to BIZ. Magazine
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau saw higher revenues and lower expenses in 2019.
Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown outlined its 2020 budget to the Bossier City Council in November.
“We are projecting to end up this year just a little bit higher than what we budgeted on revenue. And, we project to come in a little bit under on expenses,” Brown said. “Next year, we are projecting again to have another slight increase in revenue and keep our expenses in line to have that balanced budget.”
She also detailed the organization’s business plan with information and goals from the tourist bureau’s board and staff.
“Last year we completed a destination assessment, which looked at our community. It assessed our strengths, as well as informing the public and private sectors on how we can collaborate to grow tourism in our area. Some of the things that we’ve identified were two key challenges that you have helped work on,” Brown said.
She said those two key challenges identified were litter and crime.
“Litter is one that we have taken on as the hospitality industry and work together to have some special cleanup days. You have also partnered with Bossier Parish and the Bossier Sheriff’s to work on Keep Bossier Beautiful,” Brown said.
As for crime, she added, “One of the things we worked on is a crisis communications plan.”
Below are the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s Visionary and Desired Future Goals for Shreveport-Bossier:
• Be known as a collaborative organization that unites the business community, hospitality industry, local governments, and citizens to enhance the tourism industry.
• Be known for promoting a positive destination image informed by leading research, planning, and development that supports excellent customer service, civic pride, and advocacy.
• Be known as the organization that stimulates collaboration on product development that leads to the improvement, rejuvenation, and overall economic growth of the community.
• Be known as a major regional financial and economic development driver recognized by government agencies, business leaders, and the general public for our efforts and contribution.
• Be known as a national model of effective turnkey convention, group, and sports sales, as well as event management that drives record revenue, attendance, and quality service.