Visit Lake Charles Impact
Southwest Louisiana Gains a Stronger Voice in Global Tourism
Visit Lake Charles (VLC) President and CEO Kyle Edmiston, CDME, has begun his term as chair of the Destinations International Board of Directors, bringing greater visibility and industry influence to Southwest Louisiana.
Destinations International represents more than 10,000 tourism professionals and partners across more than 800 destinations worldwide. Edmiston is the first person to have chaired both the Destinations International and Brand USA boards, placing a Louisiana tourism leader at the forefront of conversations shaping the future of travel.
“I am honored to serve as chair of Destinations International,” Edmiston said. “Our industry is evolving rapidly, and this organization continues to lead the global conversation on the future of destination leadership. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the Destinations International team to support our members, strengthen the communities they serve and build on the association’s strong momentum.”
His appointment strengthens Visit Lake Charles’ connections with tourism leaders, research and best practices from around the world. Those relationships help the organization remain competitive, advocate for the tourism industry and bring new ideas back to Southwest Louisiana.
“Kyle Edmiston is one of the most respected leaders in the destination organization profession, and his election as Chair of Destinations International is a testament to his vision, integrity and unwavering commitment to serving both his community and our global industry,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Throughout his career, Kyle has demonstrated that destination organizations are catalysts for economic opportunity, community pride and long-term prosperity. Destinations International is fortunate to have his leadership as we continue advancing our mission around the world, and I know he will represent Visit Lake Charles and the state of Louisiana with distinction during his term as chair.”
Tourism leadership at this level also raises the destination’s profile among meeting planners, event organizers, travel professionals and industry partners. That visibility can create new opportunities to attract visitors, meetings and sporting events that support local hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses.
Edmiston has led Visit Lake Charles through continued destination growth, award-winning marketing, national media coverage and expanded efforts in sports tourism, meetings, accessibility and destination development.
His new role ensures that Southwest Louisiana has a voice at the table as the global tourism industry plans for the future.
Visit Lake Charles on the Geaux
Visit Lake Charles Represents Southwest Louisiana at Global Tourism Convention
Visit Lake Charles Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush, Vice President of Sales Taylor Beard Stanley and Director of Association Sales Emily Treme attended Destinations International’s Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. During the convention, Treme was officially recognized as a member of the organization’s 2026 “30 Under 30” class, a global honor celebrating emerging tourism leaders making an impact through leadership, innovation and service.
Since joining Visit Lake Charles in 2023, Treme has helped attract major meetings and conventions to the area and contributed to the strongest year for meetings and conventions in the organization’s history. The convention gave the team opportunities to connect with meeting planners and destination leaders, exchange ideas and bring new strategies back to Southwest Louisiana. These relationships can lead to future conferences and events that fill hotel rooms, bring customers to restaurants and create business throughout the hospitality industry.
Southwest Louisiana Showcased on the National Mall
Visit Lake Charles Senior Director of Community Engagement Matt Young shared Southwest Louisiana’s story at the Louisiana NOW Pavilion during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., held in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Led by Louisiana Economic Development, the pavilion brought together more than 50 organizations to showcase the state’s culture, industries, innovation and tourism to visitors from across the country and around the world. Young highlighted Southwest Louisiana’s food, outdoor recreation, culture and visitor experiences, introducing the destination to audiences who may not have previously considered traveling to the region. The opportunity also strengthened collaboration with partners from across Louisiana while giving Southwest Louisiana valuable exposure in the nation’s capital.
Building Group Travel Business for Southwest Louisiana
Visit Lake Charles Sales Manager for Meetings and Motorcoach Brandi Smith represented Southwest Louisiana at the Southeast USA Spotlight Conference in Hammond, Louisiana, one of the region’s leading tour and travel events. The conference connects destinations, hotels, attractions, and tour operators to develop new itineraries and future group travel opportunities. Smith met with motorcoach operators and tourism partners from across the Southeast to showcase Lake Charles and strengthen relationships that can place Southwest Louisiana on future group itineraries. A single motorcoach tour can bring dozens of travelers into the area at once, creating coordinated opportunities for local hotels, restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues.
Around the Destination
Louisiana’s Playground Podcast Adds Video
Visit Lake Charles marked the 100th episode of the Louisiana’s Playground Podcast by launching a full video version filmed in the organization’s new multimedia studio. The milestone episode featured married hosts Visit Lake Charles Director of Content/Video Marketing Brady Renard and KPLC-TV News Anchor Jillian Corder counting down 100 reasons to love Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana, with VLC President and CEO Kyle Edmiston joining the conversation. Adding video allows the podcast to reach new audiences on YouTube while continuing to serve listeners across audio platforms. The expanded format also creates more opportunities to visually showcase local restaurants, attractions, events, outdoor experiences and community partners, giving potential visitors a stronger sense of what they can experience when they travel to Southwest Louisiana. Watch the episode on the Visit Lake Charles YouTube channel or listen wherever you stream podcasts.
Raising a Glass and Supporting Future Leaders
Visit Lake Charles President and CEO Kyle Edmiston will be honored Sept. 3 during The Toast of Kyle Edmiston, part of Scouting America’s PUSH for Scouting Signature Event Series. The event will recognize Edmiston’s leadership, service and contributions to Southwest Louisiana while raising funds for youth programs throughout the South Louisiana Council. His involvement reflects Visit Lake Charles’ broader commitment to community leadership and to supporting programs that help prepare the next generation to serve and strengthen the region. The evening at the Historic Calcasieu Marine Bank will include a bourbon tasting, hors d’oeuvres, an auction and a special program. Tickets, sponsorships and donation opportunities are available online.
In the News
Southwest Louisiana’s Perspective Reaches a National Audience
Visit Lake Charles President and CEO Kyle Edmiston joined the DMOU: Destination Marketing Organization University podcast to discuss the future of Destinations International as he begins his term as chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. During the conversation, Edmiston shared his perspective on the search for the association’s next CEO, the qualities needed in the tourism industry’s next leader, and the importance of building a culture of excellence. He also reflected on his service with both Destinations International and Brand USA. Opportunities like this position Southwest Louisiana as a respected voice in national tourism conversations and allow the region’s experiences and priorities to help shape the industry’s future. Listen to Episode 194, “Kyle Edmiston: What’s Ahead for Destinations International,” online.
Tourism Leadership in the National Spotlight
Visit Lake Charles Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush was featured by eTourism for his leadership in destination marketing, authentic storytelling and innovative campaigns that deliver measurable results. The feature highlights the strategy behind promoting Southwest Louisiana in ways that connect with travelers while staying true to the people and experiences that define the region. National recognition like this elevates the destination’s profile and reinforces the strength of the work being done to attract visitors and create opportunities for local businesses. Read Timothy’s feature in eTourism’s Inspired Insights.
Taste of the South: The Pasta Lab Earns Taste 50 Recognition
The Pasta Lab was selected for Taste of the South magazine’s 2026 Taste 50 Awards following an April Cajun and Creole familiarization tour hosted by Visit Lake Charles. The recognition spotlights a locally owned business while introducing more readers to the creativity and flavors shaping Southwest Louisiana’s culinary scene.
Louisiana Life: “Chuck-Full of Fun: Visiting Lake Charles”
Louisiana Life featured Lake Charles in a story by Melanie Warner Spencer, who visited during an April familiarization tour hosted by Visit Lake Charles. The article highlighted the community’s continued comeback along with downtown, local restaurants, Port Wonder, the Mardi Gras Museum, the Creole Nature Trail and other experiences that give readers new reasons to plan a Southwest Louisiana getaway. Read More
Lake Charles Reaches the Final Four
Thank you to everyone who voted for Lake Charles in The Local Palate’s search for The South’s Top Culinary Towns of 2026. Although Lake Charles did not earn the top title, the destination advanced from 15 nominees to the Final Four, reflecting the community’s support and the growing recognition of our local restaurants, chefs and culinary culture. So thank you very much, Southwest Louisiana!
