Mardi Gras crowds flood Bourbon Street. (AP Photo)
Last year was another record-breaking year for the tourism industry in Louisiana.
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who oversees the Louisiana Office of Tourism, said Thursday that in 2014 Louisiana attracted 28.7 million visitors, a 5 percent increase over 2013, resulting in $11.2 billion in total visitor spending and $836 million in state tax revenue generated. That's according to statistics compiled by UNO. A complete forecast report will be available later this month.
After taking office in November 2010, Dardenne created the brand "Louisiana: Pick Your Passion" to promote the eclectic choices available to visitors. His office says the industry has grown each year with Louisiana setting all-time records each year since 2012.
Dardenne says the record year is thanks to creative marketing, dedicated industry leaders and the state's incredible product.
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