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River Parishes Tourist Commission highlights $163M visitor spend and program plans for 2026
Summary
Denise Burrell told the council the River Parishes region draws more than $163 million in annual visitor spending, supports about 2,100 jobs and generated roughly $16.6 million in state and local tax revenue; the commission plans a tourism summit, an ambassador program and a visitor-profile study for 2026.
Denise Burrell, representing the River Parishes Tourist Commission, briefed the St. Charles Parish Council on Oct. 6 about the commission’s recent activities and economic impact for the tri-parish region (St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James). Burrell said visitors spend more than $163,000,000 annually across the River Parishes; tourism supports about 2,100 local jobs and generates roughly $16,600,000 in state and local tax receipts.
Burrell highlighted recent events and marketing wins, including American Cruise Lines calls at Vacherie Landing and recognition for Zip NOLA; she also touted the King Cat Tournament Trail and the King Kids Fishing Rodeo, reporting the multi-day tournament drew 37 boats and 95 anglers from 15 states (31 first-time participants and 64 returning anglers), which produced measurable hotel bookings and restaurant sales locally.
Looking ahead, the commission plans to relaunch the River Parishes Tourism Summit in 2026, roll out a River Parishes Ambassador Program to train local tourism-facing staff, launch a partner resource portal on leriverparishes.com, and commission a visitor-profile study to measure visitation and spending. Burrell framed tourism as economic development and said the commission remains focused on visibility, education and partnership.
The council received the report and expressed appreciation for the regional marketing work and event-driven economic activity.
