Leading tourism marketing agency Gate 7 is delighted to announce its new partnership with Explore Louisiana. Gate 7 will manage trade development and marketing efforts, further enriching its established portfolio of Southern USA representation. This marks the second year of working together for the pair; after a successful series of projects last year, Explore Louisiana has solidified their ongoing relationship by becoming a retained client. Together, they will continue to promote all regions of the state in the Australian and New Zealand markets through a campaign that encompasses trade, public relations, and social media.
Now is the perfect time, as more and more Australians are choosing to visit the Pelican State.
In 2023, Louisiana welcomed 27,500 visitors from Australia, making it the state’s third-largest international market. These visitors significantly boosted the local economy, contributing $62.1 million in spending, with Australians having the highest average spend per visitor among international markets. Looking ahead, Tourism Economics projects this strong performance to continue, with $87 million in spending and over 40,000 Australian visitors expected in 2025.* New Zealand also continues to be a key priority, with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and members of the state’s Office of Tourism making a dedicated visit last year to promote international travel to Louisiana through meetings with media, sales representatives, and tour operators in the market.
Louisiana, renowned as the birthplace of jazz, Cajun, and zydeco music, has an unparalleled musical heritage. Local artists from the state have significantly influenced American blues, country, swamp pop, and rock genres. The culinary landscape is equally impressive, with South Louisiana known for its Cajun and Creole dishes, while the northern regions boast barbecue and soul food. The state’s varied landscapes, from swamps and bayous to the pristine Gulf Coast beaches, offer unique natural beauty. The Atchafalaya Basin and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park are prime examples of Louisiana’s enchanting environments. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the swamps and bayous to the stunning Gulf Coast beaches and iconic places like the Atchafalaya Basin and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, are just some of the unique environments that make Louisiana truly unforgettable.
2024 marks the Year of Music in Louisiana, making it a hot-to-visit destination with a plethora of music festivals and events designed to showcase that Louisiana’s vibrant music is a melting pot of generations of cultural influences. Baton Rouge, the state’s capital, and New Orleans, its iconic cultural heart, host numerous music, culinary, and cultural festivals that unite communities and attract visitors worldwide. In late September, Shreveport will kick off the Red River Revel festival, featuring top national and regional performers. Other exciting events include the BBQ, Bourbon & Blues Festival, Arcadia Music Fest, and the Baldwin Mardi Gras Parade, all of which celebrate Louisiana’s passion for music, food, and community spirit.
Maria Manzella, Tourism Sales & Marketing Director of Explore Louisiana, said: “We are so excited to partner with Gate 7 and showcase the vibrancy and charm of each diverse region throughout the state, each with a bounty of unique cultural, culinary, and social offerings. We were thrilled with our visit to New Zealand last year, and with Australian visitation to the USA’s South at an all-time high, Louisiana is obviously such a hot-to-visit destination for both markets.”
Jo Palmer, Founder and Managing Director of Gate 7 said: “We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Explore Louisiana, a state where history, culture, and Southern hospitality converge in a truly remarkable way. Visitors from both Australia and New Zealand continue to prioritize travel, and as the numbers show, Louisiana is a must-see destination for them. We’re also thrilled to broaden our work with the state, diving into trade, PR, and social media as we continue to evolve and deliver creative, integrated marketing programs for our clients.”
For more information about Explore Louisiana, please visit: Welcome to Explore Louisiana | Explore Louisiana
