NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau will celebrate National Tourism Week on May 4 -12, 2013. Staff members will promote Iberia Parish and IPCVB's tourism partners on May 9 at the Atchafalaya State Welcome Center at I-10 Exit 121 in Butte La Rose, La.

"Many Acadiana parishes will be at the Atchafalaya Welcome Center throughout the week of May 6 to promote the national campaign," said Fran Thibodeaux, IPCVB's executive director. "The Atchafalaya Welcome Center receives many more visitors than our local tourist centers so parishes have more exposure at this venue."

The IPCVB invites the public to come to the Atchafalaya Welcome Center to see interactive exhibits and travel information on the entire state.

The impact of tourism

Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne announced last week at a press conference that 2012 shattered previous tourism records, including pre-Katrina years. According to industry statistics, Louisiana attracted 26.3 million visitors in 2012, resulting in $10.7 billion in total visitor spending. The $665 million in state tax revenue generated through domestic and international visitors represents a more than 26-to-1 return on investment of state funding. One in 10 Louisiana jobs depends on the tourism industry, which is the sixth largest employment sector in the state, Dardenne said.

Click here for the latest statistics on the impact of tourism in Louisiana.

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