SWLA National Tourism Week, May 7-13, 2017

Tourism is big business here in SWLA.  Last year $411.43 million in tourist dollars went into our economy in Calcasieu Parish.  That's pretty big!  The folks at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB,) want you to know that, National Tourism Week is going down May 7-13, 2017.  So invite loved ones and friends from out of town to come visit.  Better yet, why don't you and your family get out and join the celebration?  Amanda Reeves, Public Relations Manager with the CVB suggests, that everyone in SWLA get out and explore our own backyard.

By the way, click here to enter your favorite Top 20 Restaurants “Local Favorites” Of SWLA Contest.

You're bound to find a place right here at home, you haven't seen or experienced yet. Have you visited the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point (CNTAP) in Sulphur (2740 Ruth Street) yet?  It's awesome and the kids will love the interactive displays and outdoor adventure.

Below is the schedule of events for National Tourism Week:

Tuesday, May 9 - Volunteer Appreciation Day from 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Join the staff at the CVB, located at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive., as they thank all volunteers and local air transportation staff for their valuable contributions with lunch at the Lake Charles Regional Airport.

Thursday, May 11 - Meet & Greet with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser

Nungesser will be in SWLA promoting Louisiana Travel’s latest tourism campaign and the stats from the state’s record-breaking tourism economic impact.

Saturday, May 13 - Children’s Day from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

This is a free event, complete with a ton of vendors, food and refreshments.  Bring the entire family out to take photos, meet Gumbeaux Gator, face painting and more.  It all takes place at the CVB, located at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive

Sunday, May 14 - Flowers For Mom

The tourist staff will hand out flowers to all moms who stop by the Lakeshore Drive location from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., or Sulphur location from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. in honor of Mother’s Day.

During National Tourism Week, the public is invited to visit both tourist bureau locations for giveaways like Gumbeaux Gator coloring books, crayons for the kids and a special gift for every 100th visitor. Hours of operation at CVB, at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive is 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekends.  CNTAP hours of operation is Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more info on the impact of tourism here in SWLA call (337) 436-9588, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/AdventurePoint, or www.visitlakecharles.org/ImpactOfTourism.