Experience Ruston Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week

Written by: Tori Davis

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. This year marks the 39th annual NTTW (May 1-7), which will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic growth and building the path forward through the theme “Future of Travel.”

“Despite the hardships the tourism industry has faced over the last two years, we are excited to be planning for a future that will strengthen Ruston and Lincoln Parish” said Amanda Carrier, President and CEO of Experience Ruston. “This National Travel & Tourism Week, we are spotlighting what the future of travel has in store for our area, industry partners, and community stakeholders.”

Experience Ruston is focusing on three key areas as it plans for the future: destination development, enhancing visitor experience, and leveraging visitor data.

“For us, the future of travel means investing in our destination through an expanded grants program, enhancing visitor experience and engagement with hospitality training for frontline staff, and leveraging visitor data to ensure that our tourism promotion efforts are effective,” said Carrier.

In celebration of NTTW, Experience Ruston will be hosting a Tourism Awareness Breakfast on Friday, May 6 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Davison Athletics Complex featuring special guest Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Please RSVP to the event by calling (318) 255-2031 or emailing acarrier@rustonlincoln.com. Seats are limited.

For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org.