St. Tammany Parish Boasts Third-Highest Visitor Spending in Louisiana for 2023
St. Tammany Parish ranked third in visitor spending among Louisiana parishes in 2023, according to leaders with Visit The Northshore. The announcement follows an impressive year of tourism growth, with nearly 3 million visitors contributing $1.3 billion to the local economy.
Tourism’s impact extends beyond the direct economic boost. Visit The Northshore officials noted that the influx of visitors generated substantial tax revenue, translating into significant savings for local residents. In fact, tax revenue from visitor spending led to a savings of $1,345 per household in St. Tammany Parish last year. These savings equate to tangible local experiences: 84 shrimp po-boys served across the parish, 134 tours at Abita Brewery in Abita Springs, 38 boat rides along the Honey Island Swamp in Slidell, 102 pounds of fudge from The Candy Bank in Mandeville, and 89 one-hour bike rentals on the Tammany Trace.
Plans for a Hospitality Training Program in 2025
Looking ahead, Visit The Northshore plans to launch a hospitality training program in 2025. The initiative will focus on hands-on training and workshops to help local businesses enhance their service quality and provide exceptional experiences for visitors. This program aims to foster a culture of hospitality excellence, ensuring that St. Tammany Parish remains a top destination in Louisiana.
Strategic Marketing Efforts
To drive this success, Visit The Northshore has employed various marketing strategies, including travel guides, active social media campaigns, and a new podcast featuring local guests and community highlights. “Our organization has been playing a critical role in influencing the visitor economy for The Northshore since our inception,” said Visit The Northshore President and CEO Donna O’Daniels. “We’re so proud of what this community has been able to accomplish together, and we look forward to even greater growth moving forward.”
A Thriving Community with Room to Grow
The year-end figures demonstrate not only the appeal of St. Tammany Parish as a tourist destination but also the strength of the local economy, which benefits from the constant influx of visitors. As the parish prepares for the launch of its hospitality training program, local leaders remain optimistic about continued growth, making St. Tammany Parish an attractive and economically vibrant area for both residents and visitors.
St. Tammany’s success story is a testament to the community’s collaborative efforts and commitment to a thriving visitor economy. With a steady rise in visitor spending and proactive initiatives on the horizon, the future looks bright for The Northshore.
