Shreveport, LA, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Visit Shreveport-Bossier has unveiled significant economic data surrounding tourism, revealing international visitors spent $277.4 million primarily on dining, retail, and entertainment. With 9.7 million domestic visitors contributing $1.4 billion to the local economy in 2024, the area demonstrates promising tourism growth. Major upcoming events are set to attract even larger crowds, highlighting tourism’s vital role in bolstering the Shreveport-Bossier economy.
Shreveport-Bossier Celebrates World Tourism Day with 2024 Economic Impact Data
Visit Shreveport-Bossier commemorated World Tourism Day on September 27, releasing important data regarding the economic influence of tourism on the region for the year 2024. In total, international visitors spent a significant $277.4 million in Shreveport-Bossier, chiefly on dining, retail, and entertainment.
Top Countries Contributing to Tourism Spending
The top five countries contributing to tourism spending in Shreveport-Bossier are Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, France, and Australia. Notably, the area saw an 11.8% increase in spending on international dining and restaurants. February and November proved to be the peak months for international spending in 2024, with February experiencing an impressive growth of 77% in the entertainment sector compared to 2023.
Domestic Visitors Boost Local Economy
In addition to international spending, the region attracted a total of 9.7 million domestic visitors in 2024, resulting in a remarkable $1.4 billion in spending. Of these visitors, 4.2 million stayed overnight, while 5.5 million came for day visits. Repeat visitors made up 86% of overnight travelers, with 60% stating they were “very satisfied” with their trips, illustrating the strong appeal of the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Overnight expenditures from domestic travelers reached $933 million. This substantial figure underscores the growing importance of tourism in generating revenue for local businesses and attractions in the region.
Tourism Growth Supports Local Economy
The growth of the visitor economy aligns distinctly with Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s 10-year Destination Masterplan (DMP). This initiative emphasizes increasing sports tourism, which alone contributed over $47 million in economic impact in 2024. The meetings and conventions sector also made a notable contribution, providing nearly 70,000 room nights in the previous year.
Local officials emphasize the vital role tourism plays in maintaining the region’s economic vitality, providing job support, and facilitating funding for local services through tax revenue.
Upcoming Events Expected to Draw Crowds
Shreveport-Bossier is poised to host several major upcoming events, including the Red River Revel Arts Festival from October 5 to October 13, and the State Fair of Louisiana from October 23 to November 9. These events are projected to attract thousands of visitors, generating significant local spending and enhancing the region’s tourism profile.
Conclusion
The tourism sector in Shreveport-Bossier is vital to the area’s economic health, with both international and domestic tourism contributing substantially to local revenue. The positive impacts highlighted during World Tourism Day reflect not just the current economic landscape but also forecast optimism for growth in the coming years.
FAQ
What was the total spending by international visitors in Shreveport-Bossier in 2024?
How many domestic visitors traveled to Shreveport-Bossier in 2024?
What were the peak months for international spending?
What are some major upcoming events in Shreveport-Bossier?
Key Features Comparison Chart
| Feature | 2024 Data |
|---|---|
| Total International Visitor Spending | $277.4 million |
| Total Domestic Visitors | 9.7 million |
| Peak Months for International Spending | February, November |
| Overnight Visitors | 4.2 million |
| Repeat Overnight Travelers | 86% |
| Upcoming Major Events | Red River Revel, State Fair of Louisiana |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Bossier Press: Visit Shreveport-Bossier Shares 2024 Annual Report
- KTBS: World Tourism Day Highlights Repeat Visitors Boosting ArkLaTex Economy
- KTAL: WWII Aircraft Event Shreveport
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Bernie Sanders Shreveport Stop
- Sports Travel Magazine: Visit Shreveport-Bossier Reveals New Regional Brand
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Google Search: Shreveport Bossier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Shreveport Bossier tourism
- Google News: Shreveport Bossier news
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
