December highlighted Visit Lake Charles’ continued leadership in tourism, global engagement, and industry recognition. The team connected with international and domestic partners at key events to promote Southwest Louisiana, while leaders and local champions earned honors that showcase the region’s impact and innovation in hospitality and destination development.
Visit Lake Charles Impact
Connecting Internationally
Visit Lake Charles continued its commitment to expanding awareness of Southwest Louisiana through key industry engagement. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, 2025, President and CEO Kyle Edmiston and Director of Global Sales Kaitlyn Gallegos traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to participate in the Travel South International Showcase. The South’s premier marketplace event brought together more than 400 tourism professionals for three days of targeted meetings focused on increasing visitation, encouraging longer stays and driving economic impact across the region. During the event, the team met with international tour operators, travel buyers and media to strengthen relationships and promote Southwest Louisiana as a competitive destination.
Throughout the fall, Visit Lake Charles team members engaged with travel industry partners across international and domestic markets to maintain momentum and expand the region’s visibility. Additionally, in October, Edmiston and Gallegos represented Southwest Louisiana at Brand USA Travel Week in London, connecting with U.K. and European travel buyers and media. Earlier in the season, Gallegos participated in the Louisiana-Canada Mission and the Travel South RTO Product Development Workshop, while Sales Manager Brandi Smith promoted Lake Charles at the National Tour Association’s TREX event in Ottawa in November. Collectively, these efforts strengthened partnerships, supported group travel growth and increased awareness of Louisiana’s Playground on a global scale.
Around the Destination
Timothy Bush Named to HSMAI’s 2025 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds
Timothy Bush, chief marketing officer of Visit Lake Charles, has been named one of HSMAI’s 2025 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds, an honor recognizing leaders who drive innovation and excellence in hospitality marketing, sales, and revenue optimization. With two decades of experience in destination marketing, brand strategy, and tourism development, Bush leads integrated campaigns that boost awareness and generate economic impact across Lake Charles’ $800 million visitor economy, earning 13 creative awards since 2023. Known for his strategic, data-driven approach, he has advanced room-night growth, secured funding increases, and elevated community identities through high-performing campaigns. Bush holds CDME, TMP, and CDTP certifications and serves in leadership roles with Destinations International, the Southeast Tourism Society, and the Louisiana Travel Association. He will be recognized at a New York City reception on February 18, 2026.
Anne Klenke Recognized
Anne Klenke’s leadership and long-standing contributions to tourism in Southwest Louisiana continued to earn recognition in 2025, when she was named an Emeritus Ambassador of the Year by Travel South USA. The honor reflects her lasting influence on regional tourism development and her role in elevating Southwest Louisiana’s profile among industry partners across the South. Last month, she was also honored with the Excellence Award at the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Annual Banquet, recognizing her decades of dedication to tourism and outdoor recreation in the region.
