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NATCHITOCHES BRINGS HOME LOUISIANA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION “LOUEY AWARD”

And CVB Employee Graduates CTS Program

Natchitoches, La. – The Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau accepted the “Louey Award” for Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (Budget up to $499,000) during the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Alexandria, La.

The membership meeting and awards dinner was held at the Randolph Riverfront Center. The “Louey Awards” honor and showcase individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry.

The CVB’s 2021 successes included efforts to collect occupancy taxes from AirBnBs and other short term rentals, strengthening partnerships with local and regional trail organizations, and positive media coverage that resulted in a return of an estimated $192 million in public relations value.

“With a full-time staff of three, this organization continues to prove that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” said Arlene Gould, Executive Director of the Natchitoches Area CVB. “Natchitoches was fortunate to see only an 8% loss of occupancy taxes in 2020 and to see 2021 occupancy tax collections exceed revenues received in 2019.”

Gould, with NACVB Director of Marketing Kelli West and NACVB Groups and Sales Manager Leanna Coy, was present to receive the award, alongside Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission Chairman David Guillet and Commissioner Mardy Summerlin.

In addition to the awards dinner, the Annual Meeting consisted of a graduation luncheon recognizing 2021 Louisiana Travel Leadership Academy and Certified Travel Specialist (CTS) participants. Coy was recognized as a graduate of the CTS program and received her certificate of completion during the luncheon.

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