SHREVEPORT, La. — Visitor spending in the Shreveport-Bossier region reached an estimated $998.1 million in 2025, highlighting tourism’s growing role in the Northwest Louisiana economy, according to figures released by Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
The destination marketing organization reported that the leisure and hospitality sector remained the region’s third-largest employer, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs and generating $127.7 million in earnings for local workers and families across Caddo and Bossier parishes.
“We understand tourism is economic development,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “The work outlined in our 10-year Destination Master Plan is not simply about attracting visitors. It is about creating a stronger, more vibrant community for the people who live here.”
Brown said investments in infrastructure, beautification, local entrepreneurship and visitor experiences help create economic opportunity and improve quality of life throughout the region.
Tourism officials also reported growth in visitation during the year. Hotel room demand increased by approximately 75,000 nights, bringing an estimated 150,000 additional overnight visitors to the area. Visitors traveled to the region’s restaurants, attractions, sporting events, entertainment venues and cultural destinations, according to the report.
Shreveport Regional Airport welcomed more than 800,000 travelers in 2025, a 12% increase from the previous year.
“We saw truly historic growth at Shreveport Regional Airport in 2025,” said Larry Blackwell, director of airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority. “With the new interactive visitor center, travelers can explore the destination and start planning their visit the moment they arrive.”
Blackwell said recent airport upgrades and expanded dining and retail offerings have helped improve the visitor experience and support continued growth.
The airport’s new visitor center includes digital kiosks that allow travelers to create personalized itineraries and send those plans directly to their devices.
Local officials said increasing visitor traffic is helping raise the profile of the region.
“Shreveport has always been a city with a unique story to tell, and it’s encouraging to see more people discovering everything our community has to offer,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “From our arts and culture to our restaurants, festivals, and attractions, visitors are experiencing the authentic character of our city.”
Arceneaux said growing tourism interest helps showcase Shreveport as a place where people want to spend time, invest and build connections.
Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler said tourism growth reflects the region’s appeal to a broad range of visitors.
“This success reflects the strength of Bossier City as a destination and the experiences that continue to draw visitors to our region,” Chandler said. “Whether someone is attending a sporting event, enjoying live entertainment, exploring local attractions, or gathering with family and friends, those experiences help create lasting impressions and strengthen our reputation as a welcoming place to visit.”
Regional leaders also cited expanded air service as an important factor in supporting tourism growth and economic development.
“The Regional Air Service Alliance is excited to support the Shreveport Regional Airport in its efforts to expand air service and create more travel opportunities for our region,” said Tim Wilhite, board president of the Ark-La-Tex Regional Air Service Alliance. “Increased connectivity strengthens our ability to attract new businesses, welcome more visitors, and grow tourism, conventions, and economic development throughout Northwest Louisiana.”
Visit Shreveport-Bossier reported continued year-over-year growth in occupancy and visitor spending and released the figures as part of its 2025 annual report detailing tourism programs and economic impact across the region.