February reflected Visit Lake Charles’ continued focus on listening, leadership and long-term growth. From launching the 2026 Resident Sentiment Survey and earning national industry recognition to advancing professional development and driving a historic stretch of sporting events, the month highlighted intentional efforts to strengthen community alignment, elevate Southwest Louisiana’s national profile and reinforce tourism as a leading economic driver for the region.
Visit Lake Charles Impact
Game On in Louisiana’s Playground
Visit Lake Charles partnered with local media to spotlight the multiple weeks of nonstop competition Southwest Louisiana was set to host, highlighting the work of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority and the intentional strategy behind every event secured.
Headlining this stretch is the historic debut of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Townsley Law Arena. This marks the first time an NJCAA basketball championship has been held in Louisiana and establishes Lake Charles as the host site for the next three years. The championship will welcome 24 teams from across the country and air nationally on ESPN platforms, placing Louisiana’s Playground on a national stage.
February launched a nine-week run featuring 10 diverse events across multiple venues, including PGA competitions at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, statewide championships at the Lake Charles Event Center and SPAR Aquatic Center, the Louisiana High School VEX V5 Robotics Championship, junior golf, wrestling and more. The lineup combines returning favorites with new additions, including the gymnastics event One World One Love featuring Olympian Aleah Finnegan.
When we transitioned to the Sports Authority model, it was more than a name change. It reflected a focused, relationship-driven approach to recruiting, hosting and retaining events that deliver measurable results. Our team consistently meets with rights holders and governing bodies to secure opportunities that drive hotel occupancy, increase spending at local businesses and enhance quality of life by bringing high-level competition directly to our community.
Thank you to KPLC-TV and KYKZ KIX 96.1 for providing a platform to share this stretch of events. Community engagement matters. When residents attend and support these competitions, the benefits extend beyond economic impact and strengthen Southwest Louisiana pride.
Visit Lake Charles on the Geaux
Timothy Bush Honored as Top 25 Extraordinary Minds
Visit Lake Charles was represented on a national stage as Timothy Bush, VLC’s chief marketing officer, traveled to New York City to be formally recognized as one of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s 2025 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds. President and CEO Kyle Edmiston joined him for the ceremony.
The recognition, first announced in December, honors leaders advancing innovation and measurable impact in hospitality sales and marketing. As chief marketing officer, Bush leads integrated marketing campaigns that increase awareness and drive measurable economic impact across an $800 million visitor economy.
Being recognized among the industry’s top marketing leaders reinforces the credibility of Southwest Louisiana on a national level. It affirms that the strategies and data-driven campaigns implemented locally are competitive with the best in the country, and positions Visit Lake Charles as a forward-thinking organization committed to responsible growth and measurable results.
When Visit Lake Charles leadership is recognized nationally, it reflects not only individual achievement, but the collective work of a community invested in tourism as a long-term economic driver.
Destinations International’s Marketing & Communications Summit
At the end of the month, Timothy Bush, chief marketing officer; Brady Renard, director of content/video marketing; and Candy Rodriguez, director of communications; represented Visit Lake Charles at this year's Destinations International Marketing & Communications Summit in Cleveland.
The 2026 Summit, themed “Explore: A New Era for Destination Storytelling,” brought together destination leaders from across the country to examine how marketing, communications, advocacy, and emerging technologies are reshaping the industry.
Sessions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence, changing audience expectations, measurable impact, and the importance of authentic community narratives. The conversations reinforced the need for destinations to be strategic, data-informed, and intentional in how they tell their stories and demonstrate value.
Participation in national forums such as this ensures Visit Lake Charles remains aligned with industry best practices, strengthens peer collaboration, and continues advancing innovative strategies that support tourism as a leading economic driver for Southwest Louisiana.
Around the Destination
Community Voices Drive the Future of Tourism in SWLA
Visit Lake Charles launched its 2026 Resident Sentiment Survey, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring tourism works for Southwest Louisiana.
In 2024, we launched our first Resident Sentiment Study to better understand how tourism impacts those who live and work in our region. The findings provided valuable insight into perceptions of economic impact, environmental considerations, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. The results directly informed our strategic planning, messaging, and community engagement efforts.
As tourism continues to serve as a strong economic driver for Southwest Louisiana, maintaining alignment with resident priorities remains essential. This year’s survey allows us to track trends over time, identify emerging opportunities or concerns, and ensure our strategies reflect the values of the community we serve.
Tourism supports local jobs, generates tax revenue that funds infrastructure and public services, and strengthens businesses across our region. Long-term success, however, depends on balance and transparency. That balance begins with listening.
The 2026 survey, open through March 11, explores economic impact, environmental stewardship, visitor growth, and overall quality of life. The insights gathered will help guide future planning and decision-making. Participants will be entered for a chance to win one of two $75 gift cards to The Terrace and Villa Harlequin. Strong destinations are built not only on visitation numbers but on community trust, collaboration, and shared vision.
Take the survey today by clicking HERE.
ROSE Awards
Visit Lake Charles opened nominations for the fifth annual ROSE Awards, recognizing frontline hospitality professionals who elevate the visitor experience across Southwest Louisiana. This year introduces a new category honoring outstanding hospitality students at SOWELA Technical Community College, reinforcing the importance of developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Nominations remain open through March 13, with winners to be celebrated May 7 at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Since launching in 2022, the ROSE Awards have recognized 35 hospitality professionals, highlighting the people whose service, professionalism, and pride strengthen tourism as a key economic driver for the region. Submit a frontline hospitality professional today by clicking HERE.
In the News
National Geographic UK and U.S.: “The Ultimate Louisiana Road Trip Itinerary With Swamp Tours and Frog Feasts”
National Geographic featured Southwest Louisiana as part of its ultimate Louisiana road trip itinerary, highlighting the authentic culture, cuisine and landscapes that define Louisiana’s Playground. The story followed a visit hosted by Visit Lake Charles and showcased local experiences, including Creole cooking, live music, and cultural landmarks. Originally published by National Geographic UK and later shared with U.S. audiences, the international exposure places Lake Charles before millions of global readers and reinforces our position as a must-visit stop along Louisiana’s byways. Read More
Travel + Leisure: “Creole Nature Trail Is the Louisiana Scenic Byway You Need to Add to Your Bucket List”
Travel + Leisure spotlighted the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, celebrating its expansive marshlands, wildlife viewing and Gulf Coast beauty. The feature underscores the Trail’s reputation as one of Louisiana’s most scenic drives and positions Southwest Louisiana as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and road trip travelers. National coverage in Travel + Leisure strengthens awareness among high-value leisure audiences seeking immersive nature experiences. Read More
Extended Weekend Getaways: “Four Destinations for a Romantic Valentine Getaway”
Extended Weekend Getaways included Lake Charles in its Valentine’s Day feature on romantic escapes, highlighting the destination’s blend of waterfront views, dining and entertainment. The story introduces Louisiana’s Playground to couples seeking accessible weekend travel and reinforces Lake Charles as a versatile getaway market within driving distance of major Southern cities. Read More
