FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Emma Boone
Public Relations & Digital Content Manager
(318) 588-2248
eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
June 22, 2026
Visit Shreveport-Bossier Celebrates Nearly $1 BILLION in Visitor Spending
Shreveport-Bossier, LA – Visit Shreveport-Bossier in partnership with the Shreveport Regional Airport, is celebrating monumental tourism growth across the region in 2025. This progress reflects what can happen when public leaders, hospitality partners, businesses, and residents work together with a shared vision for the future of Northwest Louisiana.
“At Visit Shreveport-Bossier, we understand tourism is economic development.,” says Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “The work outlined in our 10-year Destination Master Plan is not simply about attracting visitors—it is about creating a stronger, more vibrant community for the people who live here. From infrastructure and beautification efforts to supporting local entrepreneurs and enhancing visitor experiences, these investments help drive opportunity, improve quality of life, and create pride in place.”
In 2025, visitors generated an estimated $998.1 million in spending across Caddo & Bossier parishes, reinforcing the important role tourism plays in our local economy. The leisure and hospitality industry remains the regions third-largest employer, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs, generating $127.7 million in earnings for local workers and families.
“Shreveport has always been a city with a unique story to tell, and it's encouraging to see more people discovering everything our community has to offer,” said Tom Arceneaux, Mayor of the City of Shreveport. “From our arts and culture to our restaurants, festivals, and attractions, visitors are experiencing the authentic character of our city. That growing interest helps showcase Shreveport as a place where people want to spend time, invest, and build connections.”
“This success reflects the strength of Bossier City as a destination and the experiences that continue to draw visitors to our region,” said Tommy Chandler, Mayor of the City of Bossier City. “Whether someone is attending a sporting event, enjoying live entertainment, exploring local attractions, or gathering with family and friends, those experiences help create lasting impressions and strengthen our reputation as a welcoming place to visit.”
We also saw encouraging growth in visitation. Room demand grew by 75,000 nights, bringing approximately 150,000 additional overnight visitors to experience our restaurants, attractions, sporting events, entertainment venues, and local culture. Shreveport Regional Airport welcomed more than 800,000 travelers—a 12% increase over the previous year.
“We saw truly historic growth at Shreveport Regional Airport in 2025,” says Larry Blackwell, Director of Airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority. “With the new interactive visitor center, travelers can explore the destination and start planning their visit the moment they arrive. Alongside recent upgrades and expanded dining and retail options at the airport, all these factors help us deliver a more elevated visitor experience to guarantee continued growth.”
This momentum is something Visit Shreveport-Bossier is reinvesting into the traveler experience, including leading the development of the new visitor center at the airport. The interactive visitor center has digital kiosks that allow users to build personalized itineraries and send those plans directly to their devices. This will help travelers connect more easily with the people, places, and experiences that make our destination unique.
Shreveport Regional Airport's air traffic growth is supported by continued investment in air service development, expanding access to Shreveport-Bossier by connecting the destination to key markets.
“The Regional Air Service Alliance is excited to support the Shreveport Regional Airport in its efforts to expand air service and create more travel opportunities for our region. Increased connectivity strengthens our ability to attract new businesses, welcome more visitors, and grow tourism, conventions, and economic development throughout Northwest Louisiana. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we work together to enhance the region’s accessibility and competitiveness.”
Visit Shreveport-Bossier is encouraged by continued year-over-year growth in occupancy and visitor spending—a shared success across the entire hospitality industry. From hotels and restaurants to attractions, event organizers, and local businesses, each plays a role in creating the experiences that keep visitors coming back. This momentum is driven by people who deeply believe in the future of Shreveport-Bossier and work every day to strengthen our community, enhance quality of life, and create a destination visitors want to experience time and time again.
For a deeper look at the programs, initiatives, and impact that shaped tourism in Shreveport-Bossier throughout 2025, view Visit Shreveport-Bossier's Annual Report at https://www.visitshreveportbossier.org/d2/impact/.
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Visit Shreveport-Bossier is the official destination marketing organization for Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The organization promotes the area as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events—driving economic growth and supporting local businesses. For more information, visit www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
To view Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s 2025 Annual Report, visit https://www.visitshreveportbossier.org/about-us/.
