Louisiana Travel Association 2026 Louey Awards
LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) presented the 2026 Louey Awards during its annual meeting on Jan. 22 in Lafayette, bringing together tourism leaders from across the state to recognize excellence in destination marketing, attractions and industry leadership.
The annual meeting brought together tourism professionals from across the state to recognize excellence and highlight initiatives that strengthen Louisiana’s visitor economy.
The Louey Awards honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Louisiana’s tourism sector, recognizing achievements across destination marketing, attractions, accommodations, events and advocacy.
“We are thrilled to highlight the outstanding work of the 2026 Louey Award winners,” said Chris Landry, Louisiana Travel Association president and CEO. “Their work not only drives visitation and economic impact, but also tells our story in a way that leaves visitors with a genuine connection to our people, culture and communities.”
Award recipients represented communities and organizations across Louisiana, reflecting the diversity of the state’s tourism landscape, from rural parish commissions and regional campaigns to major urban destinations and large-scale events.
Louisiana Travel Association 2026 Louey Awards
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
