Tourism isn’t just about visitors—it’s about impact. When someone chooses to spend their weekend here, attend a meeting in our convention center, or bring their family to a sports tournament, it creates a ripple effect across our economy. Restaurants stay busy, hotels hire more staff, shops thrive, and tax dollars return to our schools, infrastructure, and quality of life.
That’s why I’m proud to share that Shreveport-Bossier is seeing strong growth. According to 2024 research provided by Longwoods International, we welcomed 9.7 million visitors to our community. Day trips are up 4%, overnight trips held steady, and most importantly, overnight visitor spending rose 4% to nearly $933 million. That means more dollars in our local economy, directly supporting the businesses and workers who make this region so special.
The restaurant and food scene continued to shine, with food and beverage sales up 8%, underscoring how much visitors value the flavor and culture of our community. Even more encouraging is that visitors are choosing to stay longer. Longer stays mean more time exploring our attractions, more meals at our restaurants, and more money circulating locally.
We’re also attracting a more valuable visitor. Travelers with annual incomes of $100,000 or more now make up 18% of our visitors. That growth translates into higher spending per trip and more opportunities for our small businesses to succeed.
Another point of pride is the diversity of our visitors. African American visitation increased by 9%, accounting for 37% of our visitors, nearly double the national average. That tells us that our story—authentic, diverse, and rooted in community—is resonating with travelers across the country. Shreveport-Bossier isn’t just another stop on the map; it’s a place where people feel welcome and connected.
And they’re coming back. Repeat visitation now stands at 86%, a six-point increase since 2022. When people choose to return, it shows that what we’re offering is real and memorable—whether that’s a festival, a riverfront view, or the warmth of Southern hospitality.
In 2025 our hotels tell a similar story. June year-to-date numbers reveal that occupancy averaged 58.3% and average daily rates rose by 4.5%. Hotel tax collections are up 3% compared to last year. Those aren’t just numbers—they’re signs of a more sustainable, resilient tourism economy.
At Visit Shreveport-Bossier, we believe our work is about more than marketing. It’s about creating opportunities, lifting up local entrepreneurs, and showcasing the resilience and creativity of our region. The numbers show that tourism is thriving—but more importantly, they show that Shreveport-Bossier is a community worth investing in, worth celebrating, and worth returning to again and again.