Calcasieu Parish Welcomed 7 Million Visitors in 2023

Visit Lake Charles announced positive results from the 2023 Travel USA Report, underscoring the destination’s continued growth and appeal. The study, conducted by Longwoods International, a leading travel and tourism research firm, provides invaluable insights into visitor behavior, spending patterns, and overall visitor satisfaction.  

Calcasieu Parish welcomed seven million visitors in 2023, generating $800 million in total spending. This is particularly noteworthy given the economic challenges and industry fluctuations, in addition to the parish currently operating with over 1,000 fewer hotel rooms compared to pre-Hurricane Laura levels. While overall visitation numbers remained consistent with previous years, visitor spending increased by 3.3% compared to 2021, a positive reflection on the region’s ongoing appeal to travelers.  

A key takeaway from the data is the high level of repeat visitation, with 82% of overnight visitors having previously visited Lake Charles, and 37% returning within the past 12 months. This indicates a strong loyalty to the destination and satisfaction with the travel experiences offered.  

"These numbers clearly reinforce our community’s staying power as a quality destination that visitors continue to find tremendous value in visiting", said Kyle Edmiston, President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles.  “As a community, we cannot take for granted that travelers choose to return to our region time after time to experience the culture, cuisine, and attractions that make our area one-of-a-kind. As we do with all our research data, we will use the information to continue to make data-driven decisions when it comes to our marketing strategies to keep our destination at the forefront of visitor markets to drive awareness, increase visitation and spending.”  

The report also revealed that outdoor activities, dining, and shopping are among the top visitor interests. Additionally, the average per person per trip expenditure increased from $184 in 2021 to $195 in 2023.   

Lake Charles has successfully navigated industry challenges, maintaining a steady business travel market, while many other destinations experienced declines. This stability reinforces the area's resiliency as a versatile destination for both leisure and business travelers. Moreover, 84% of overnight travelers expressed satisfaction with their trip, highlighting the positive impact of the destination's attractions, accommodations, and hospitality. 

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About Visit Lake Charles:     

Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.