Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosted their annual Tourism Industry Award Luncheon on Friday, May 6th at ULM’s Bayou Pointe. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungessor served as the guest speaker.
Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s President/CEO, shared the organization’s successes in 2021.
“In 2021, we had some definite wins with a successful year for Monroe-West Monroe and Ouachita Parish tourism,” Cooper said. “We are back above 2019 figures and gained over 11% in occupancy and our average daily rate jumped up 14% from 2020.”
Through Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s efforts, an economic impact of over $13 million dollars was reported for 2021, which included 132 sporting events, conventions, & meetings in Ouachita Parish.
Awards were presented to individuals and organizations in the community that helped generate tourism to Ouachita Parish.
The Association Meeting Planner Award went to the National Cutting Horse Association, Gwen Coie and Robert Charles Brown. The
Sports Event Organizer of the Year went to Twin City BMX, Natalie Harper, Jason Johnson, Rob Turner, Jarrett Spurgeon, and Sara Wall.
Louisiana State Games was awarded to Disc Golf, Connie Stewart. The Sports Volunteer Service Award went to NELA Community Tennis Association, Nancy Adams, Anne Minniger, Phillip Craig, Laura Bryan, and Kathryn Waters. The Hospitality Star Award went to Jason Cooper, Best Western Airport. The Attraction Partner Award went to Ralph Calhoun, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Joey Trappey with The Fieldhouse, Trapp’s, & Crawfish City won the Restaurant Partner award. And finally, the Holiday Spirit Award went to The Olsons.
“Not only do we look back at a successful 2021, but we continue to look ahead to a bright and full 2022,” Cooper said. “We have a good schedule on the books and expect an extremely busy summer our calendar is full of events like the 2022 NHPA World Tournament and we will once again host 5 divisions of the DBB World Series.”
Local leaders, attraction directors, and business owners also shared what they love most about our cities and where they see the future of tourism heading in Ouachita Parish in a video debuted at the event. Click here to see the video.
For more information, contact Discover Monroe-West Monroe at 318-387-5691.
Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.