A Message from the President
 Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with many talented people in the tourism industry to promote the state I love. I am incredibly honored to serve as your president of the Louisiana Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Involvement with LACVB has been an incredible experience and I look forward to working more closely with passionate colleagues around the state.
Tourism as a business and economic driver continues to exceed expectations. 2014 was the third straight record-breaking year for our industry, and we expect the 2015 numbers will reflect another successful year.
In 2016, we hope to build on the momentum we have as an organization through continued advocacy and promotion of our communities. With inevitable reductions in statewide and local tourism marketing dollars due to the state's budget deficit, we will look for ways to maximize our promotional funds through trade shows, consumer shows and public relations events.
As the number one job growth sector in Louisiana - employing more than 226,000 Louisianans - the tourism industry cannot afford to be silent. Our message and voice must be louder than ever.
We are thrilled to welcome Billy Nungesser as our new lieutenant governor. His passion for the state fosters enthusiasm for the entire tourism industry. We look forward to working with him and the Office of Tourism to determine the best way to promote our beautiful state.
If you have any ideas on how LACVB can help serve you and our industry better, please feel free to contact me at (225) 382-3583 or email [email protected].
I am excited to work with all of you in 2016 to continue to make our great state of Louisiana the premier destination for visitors from across the globe.
Paul Arrigo, CDME
President & CEO
Visit Baton Rouge
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IPW Volunteer Opportunity
The New Orleans CVB is looking for volunteers for U.S. Travel Association's IPW. The convention will take place Saturday, June 18 through Wednesday, June 22 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The U.S. Travel Association's IPW is not your average trade show. It is the premier event for tourism professionals across the United States. Thousands of U.S. Travel organizations from various regions have the opportunity to meet with both international and domestic buyers. The event is the largest generator of travel in the United States. If you are interested in volunteering, click here to sign up.
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LACVB Meeting
Baton Rouge, LA
April 7, 2016
LTLA
Baton Rouge, LA
National Travel & Tourism Week
May 1-7, 2016
U.S. Travel Association's IPW
New Orleans, LA
June 18-22, 2016
DMAI Annual Convention
Minneapolis, MN
August 1-4, 2016
Lt. Governor's Tourism Summit
Shreveport, LA
August 23-25
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Special Session Recap
Louisiana Office of Tourism
We are happy to report that the final reduction to the Office of Tourism in HB 122 was under $600,000 - thanks in large part to the 958 support letters sent by the tourism industry to legislators.
Short-Term Rentals
HB 59, which requires AirBnB and other short-term rental properties to pay state sales tax, passed. Rep. Helena Moreno has filed regular session bill
HB 722 to handle proper regulatory language for the collection of this tax and registration of properties.
New state sales tax Legislators passed a bill that will add one additional penny to the state sales tax, bringing the sales tax rate to 5 cents. This means taxes on most goods and services in Louisiana will be about 10 cents when coupled with local sales taxes. This new tax is effective on April 1 for 27 months.
Bill Tracking Report
Click here to view a list of the bills we are tracking for the current Regular Session.
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