Louisiana Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 4 November 2025

Louisiana is a southern U.S. state known for its Creole and Cajun traditions, jazz music, Mardi Gras celebrations, and distinctive cuisine.

How many tourists visit Louisiana each year?

Over 42.6 million domestic tourists visited Louisiana in 2023.

• Louisiana attracted 52.5 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 40% to approximately 31.6 million.

• Around 41 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2021 and this rose in 2022 to 42.6 million visitors.

• The figure climbed to 43 million in 2023, though this was still 18.1% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

• The figure further increased to 44.5 million in 2024, a 3.5% increase from the previous year, but still 15.2% below the pre-pandemic level (2019).

How many people visited Louisiana in 2024?

Louisiana reported 44.5 million domestic visitors in 2024, representing a slight increase of less than 3.5% from the previous year. However, this was still 15.2% below the figures recorded in 2019.

How much do tourists spend in Louisiana every year?

Direct domestic tourists spent over $16.33 billion during their trips to Louisiana in 2023.

• In 2019, tourists in Louisiana generated $17.89 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $12.94 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.

• Tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $16.76 billion spent. 

• In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $17.14 billion and $17.56 billion, respectively.

• Visitor spending increased by 5.5% to $18.53 billion in 2024.

How much did tourists spend in Louisiana in 2024?

Domestic tourists spent $18.5 billion while exploring Louisiana in 2024. This represented a 13.5% increase from the previous year and a 3.4% increase from the pre-pandemic year 2019.

How much does it cost to visit Louisiana?

• Visitors to Louisiana spend an average of about $416 per person per day, covering expenses such as accommodation, dining, local transportation, entertainment, and activities. This spending reflects the state’s strong tourism appeal, driven by its rich cultural heritage, music festivals, world-famous cuisine, and historic attractions.

How do visitors spend their money in Louisiana?

• In 2024, Louisiana visitors spent most in transportation, at $5.08 billion.

• Visitors spent  $4.26 billion and $3.82 billion in food and beverage and lodging, respectively.

• Entertainment and Shopping spending accounted for $2.51 million and $2.2 billion, respectively.

How long do visitors stay in Louisiana?

• Tourists spent an average of 2.79 days visiting and exploring the wonders of Louisiana in 2024.

Where is Louisiana?

Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States, specifically in the Deep South and South Central areas. It is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east, with the Gulf of Mexico lying to the south.

Geographic Overview

• Capital: Baton Rouge
  
  
• Largest City: New Orleans
  
  
• Area: Approximately 135,658 km² (52,378 sq mi), making it the 20th largest state by area in the U.S.

Is Louisiana safe to visit?

• Visiting popular tourist areas is generally safe, especially during daytime in well-populated neighborhoods, provided you stay aware of your surroundings. Experts say most crimes do not target tourists directly in main tourist zones.

Why do people visit Louisiana?

• In 2024, most people visited Louisiana for non-vacation purposes (57%), which include business, family, and other personal obligations.
  
• Vacations accounted for 19% of visits, suggesting that leisure tourism, such as experiencing the state’s cultural, musical, and culinary offerings.
  
• Transient visits, at 14%, reflect individuals passing through the state, while 10% of visits were for group business, such as conferences or corporate events.
  

Louisiana & USA Travel Resources

Economic Impact  – Louisiana Tourism Statistics 2024

• Jobs: The leisure and hospitality sector averaged around 224,600 jobs in 2024, remaining the 4th largest employer in the state.

• Tax Revenues: Tourism generated about $2 billion in state and local taxes,

• Total Economic Impact: Louisiana tourism’s total economic impact totaled $24.8 billion in 2024.

When is the best time to visit Louisiana?

The best time to visit Louisiana is generally during the fall (October to November) and summer (June to August).

Fall (September to November) 

• This period features beautiful fall weather, with average temperatures around 20°C/69°F in October and cooler conditions as winter approaches.

• Events like Oktoberfest and various holiday celebrations occur during these months, enhancing the visitor experience.

Summer (June to August)

• Summer in Louisiana brings warm temperatures between 26.6°C/80°F and 32.7°C/91°F, along with high humidity—perfect for anyone who enjoys the unique feel of a hot, southern summer.

When is the peak tourists month in Louisiana?

• November recorded the highest number of visitors at 4.9 million, marking it as the peak tourism month due to favorable weather and popular fall events.

• August attracted 4.5 million visitors, supported by summer vacations, music festivals, and family travel activities.

• October also saw 4.5 million visitors, driven by autumn festivals, cooler temperatures, and major cultural events.

Louisiana Tourism Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism

Visitor Volume

• In 2024, domestic visitors accounted for 44.07 million tourists, making up 99% of the total visitors while international tourism amounted to approximately 475,000. 

• In 2022 and 2023, domestic visitors totalled 42.31 million and 42.57 million, respectively, While the international visitors accounted for around 263,000 and 437,000, respectively.

Visitor Spending

• In 2024, domestic visitors spent $17.13 billion in Louisiana, while international tourists spent $1.4 billion.

• Prior to 2024, domestic visitor spending accounted for $16.32 billion in 2022 and $16.33 billion in 2023. International visitors spent $823 million in 2022 and $1.2 billion in 2023.

What are some tourist attractions in Louisiana?

• New Orleans: Explore the French Quarter’s jazz, nightlife, and architecture, visit the National WWII Museum, and experience Mardi Gras festivities.
  
  
• Historic Plantations: Tour Oak Alley’s iconic oak-lined entrance, Laura Plantation’s Creole heritage, and Whitney Plantation’s focus on slavery history.
  
  
• Baton Rouge: Discover the Old State Capitol’s political history exhibits and the State Capitol Building’s panoramic observation deck.
  
  
• Lafayette: Learn about Acadian, Creole, and Native American history at Vermilionville and the Acadian Cultural Center.
  
  
• Swamp Tours: Enjoy guided boat tours through Louisiana’s swamps, spotting alligators and other wildlife in areas like Jean Lafitte National Park.
  
  
  
  

Louisiana Travel Statistics Resources

• New Orleans Statistics
  

USA Travel Statistics Resources

• Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
• California Statistics (incl. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood)
• Florida Statistics (incl. Destin, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World)
• Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
• Illinois Statistics (incl. Chicago)
• Massachusetts Statistics (incl. Boston)
• Nevada Statistics (incl. Las Vegas)
• New York Statistics (incl. New York City, Statue of Liberty)
• South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
• Tennessee Statistics (incl. Memphis, Nashville)
• Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
• Utah Statistics
• Washington Statistics (incl. Seattle)
• Yellowstone National Park Statistics
  
  

---

Reference