2026 Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Comm
Louisiana Travel Association Honors Tourism Industry with 2026 Louey Awards LAFAYETTE, La. (Jan. 22
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) proudly announced the Washington Parish Tourism Commission as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year at its Annual Meeting in Lafayette, La.
This year, the LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting 21 “Louey Awards” to outstanding individuals and organizations. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana's vibrant tourism landscape.
“We are thrilled to receive the Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year from the Louisiana Travel Association,” said Patty Alford, Executive Director of Washington Parish Tourism Commission. “This recognition inspires us to continue showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of Louisiana to the world.”
The winners of the 2026 Louey Awards are as follows:
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget up to $499,999): Washington Parish Tourism Commission
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $500,000 - $999,999): Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $1 million and above): New Orleans & Company
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999): Experience Ruston- Small Markets Can Pull Big Strings
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999): Explore Alexandria Pineville- The Community Heart Project
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above): Visit The Northshore- Shore To Be Campaign
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above): Visit Jefferson Parish- In To Be Out
- Attraction of the Year: Global Wildlife Center
- Attraction of the Year: Old State Capitol
- Accommodation of the Year: Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge
- Bed and Breakfast of the Year: The Stockade
- Festival of the Year: Ouachita Riverfest
- Event of the Year: Smoke & Barrel
- Restaurateurs of the Year: John Besh & Octavio Mantilla
- Restaurateur of the Year: Eric Avery
- Major Event of the Year: 2025 USBC Open Championships
- Rising Star of the Year: Tara Morvant
- Will Mangham Tourism Lifetime Achievement: Anne Klenke
- Victor Profis Travel Media: Adrienne Hennis, Advance Travel & Tourism
- Louisiana Spirit Award: Violet Peters
- Marion “Butch” Fox Advocacy Award: Ben Berthelot
*Photos of individual awards are available upon request to avery@louisianatravelassociation.org.
###
About the Louisiana Travel Association
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) is the statewide trade organization dedicated to leading and strengthening Louisiana’s tourism industry through advocacy, education, and promotion. In 2024, tourism generated $2 billion for the state and remains the fourth-largest employer. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.
Explore Louisiana
Explore Louisiana
When was the last time you explored Louisiana? Come and see it, taste it, experience it and then share with #MyLouisiana! See how locals and visitors alike are already sharing their favorite things to see and do in Louisiana to inspire your next visit.
Louisiana Civil Rights Trail
On the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, discover the real-life heroes who strategized, organized, preached, marched, boycotted, stood up, sat down, and sang for change. Real people who dedicated themselves and their lives to Making Rights Real.
Louisiana Quilt Trail
A Quilt Trail is the exhibition of artistic interpretations (painted, mixed media, etc.) of quilt blocks outdoors on homes, businesses, sheds, fences, barns or on posts in the yard, field, pasture or flower bed.
Among the region's unique landscape and architecture of the parishes of Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Livingston, St. Helena and Washington. These five parishes are located at the crossroad of Interstate 12 (east & west) and Interstate 55 (north & south). All Trails are within a 45 minute-to-two hour drive from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Southeast Louisiana gumbo
Southeast Louisiana is one of America’s most memorable travel destinations. Savor our rich history, live music, charming festivals, and of course...terrific food!
Zachary Taylor Parkway
The Zachary Taylor Parkway is a scenic transportation corridor with a variety of tourism and recreation opportunities. Much like the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, or the Natchez Trace Parkway that stretches through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, the Zachary Taylor Parkway offers a pleasant driving experience while highlighting all of the surrounding Louisiana countryside.