Lafayette, La. (Jan. 27, 2026) –
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) proudly announced Explore Alexandria Pineville as the recipient of the prestigious Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,000) at its Annual Meeting in Lafayette, La.
This year, the LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting 21 “Louey Awards” to outstanding individuals and organizations. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana’s vibrant tourism landscape.
“We are thrilled to receive the Tourism Campaign of the Year from the Louisiana Travel Association,” said Katie Vanderlick, Executive Director of Explore Alexandria Pineville. “This recognition inspires us to continue showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of Louisiana to the world.”
The winners of the 2026 Louey Awards are as follows:
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget up to $499,999): Washington Parish Tourism Commission
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $500,000 – $999,999): Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism
- Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $1 million and above): New Orleans & Company
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999): Experience Ruston- Small Markets Can Pull Big Strings
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999): Explore Alexandria Pineville- The Community Heart Project
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above): Visit The Northshore- Shore To Be Campaign
- Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above): Visit Jefferson Parish- In To Be Out
- Attraction of the Year: Global Wildlife Center
- Attraction of the Year: Old State Capitol
- Accommodation of the Year: Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge
- Bed and Breakfast of the Year: The Stockade
- Festival of the Year: Ouachita Riverfest
- Event of the Year: Smoke & Barrel
- Restaurateurs of the Year: John Besh & Octavio Mantilla
- Restaurateur of the Year: Eric Avery
- Major Event of the Year: 2025 USBC Open Championships
- Rising Star of the Year: Tara Morvant
- Will Mangham Tourism Lifetime Achievement: Anne Klenke
- Victor Profis Travel Media: Adrienne Hennis, Advance Travel & Tourism
- Louisiana Spirit Award: Violet Peters
- Marion “Butch” Fox Advocacy Award: Ben Berthelot
*Photos of individual awards are available upon request to avery@louisianatravelassociation.org.
About the Louisiana Travel Association
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) is the statewide trade organization dedicated to leading and strengthening Louisiana’s tourism industry through advocacy, education, and promotion. In 2024, tourism generated $2 billion for the state and remains the fourth-largest employer. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.
