Page last updated: 3 December 2024
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.1
- In 2021, around 40.9 million domestic tourists visited Louisiana and this rose in 2022 to 42.3 million visitors.
- In 2023, the figure climbed to 42.6 million, though this was still 19% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How many people visited Louisiana in 2023?
- In 2023, Louisiana reported 42.6 million domestic visitors, representing a slight increase of less than 1% from the previous year. However, this was still 19% 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.
- Domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $16.27 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $16.32 billion and $16.33 billion, respectively.
How much do tourists spend in Louisiana in 2023?
- Domestic tourists spent $16.33 billion while exploring Louisiana in 2023.
How long do visitors stay in Louisiana?
- Domestic tourists spent an average of 1.89 days visiting and exploring the wonders of Louisiana in 2023.
What is the average expenditure per visitor in Louisiana?
- The average expenditure of tourists in Louisiana is $233 per day.
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.
Why do people visit Louisiana?
- In 2023, most people visited Louisiana for non-vacation purposes (57%), which include business, family, and other personal obligations.
- Vacations accounted for 19% of visits, experiencing the state’s cultural, musical, and culinary offerings.
- Transient visits, at 14%, individuals passing through the state, while 10% of visits were for group business, such as conferences or corporate events.
USA Travel Resources
Economic Impact – Louisiana Tourism Statistics 2023
- Jobs: The leisure and hospitality sector averaged around 280,400 jobs in 2023, reflecting an 8% increase in tourism-related employment compared to the previous year.
- Tax Revenues: Tourism generated about $1.94 billion in state and local taxes.
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.
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
US Travel Statistics Resources
- United States Statistics
- California Statistics
- Chicago Statistics
- Denver Statistics
- Florida Statistics
- Georgia Statistics
- Hawaii Statistics
- Las Vegas Statistics
- Louisiana Statistics
- Massachusetts Statistics
- Miami Statistics
- New York Statistics
- Orlando Statistics
- San Francisco Statistics
- Tennessee Statistics
- Texas Statistics
- Utah Statistics
- Washington Statistics
