From empowering our local talent to connecting globally, June was a month of learning and growth for Visit Lake Charles. In this edition of Tourism Works, we focus on how education and collaboration strengthen the region’s foundation, fueling innovation, expanding opportunities, and elevating the visitor experience.
Visit Lake Charles Impact
Sharpening Skills at Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College
Visit Lake Charles proudly sent two team members to the prestigious Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, this June: Director of Communications Candy Rodriguez and Digital Content Manager Toni Chapman.
Candy completed her second year of advanced training, building on her expertise in strategic communications, while Toni embarked on her first year in the program. Together, they joined more than 300 tourism professionals from across the Southeast to engage deeply with critical topics including destination marketing, digital innovation, tourism product development, and event planning.
Both are actively working toward earning their Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification – a nationally recognized credential that equips tourism marketers with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to craft authentic, compelling stories that resonate in today’s digital world. In an era where clear, impactful communication is essential, having TMP-certified professionals ensures Visit Lake Charles can deliver the right message to the right audiences at the right time.
This commitment to ongoing professional development is more than just a badge of honor. It’s a strategic investment in the future of Southwest Louisiana tourism – helping the region stay competitive, attract more visitors, and support local businesses that depend on tourism’s economic impact. By continually sharpening their skills, Candy and Toni help ensure Visit Lake Charles remains a leader in innovative, effective tourism marketing that drives real results for the community.
Visit Lake Charles On The Geaux
PRSA Travel and Tourism 2025 Conference
Director of Public Relations Matt Young joined PR professionals from across the country in sunny Tampa for the PRSA Travel & Tourism 2025 Section Conference. This year’s gathering delivered a dynamic blend of fresh ideas, forward-thinking trends, and meaningful connections that continue to shape how destinations tell their stories.
From media-led panels to industry roundtables and unexpected inspiration at every turn, Matt dove into sessions that explored the evolving media landscape, the art (and science) of hosting impactful familiarization (FAM) tours, and creative crisis communication strategies tailored for today’s travel climate. These insights, and the strengthened relationships with key journalists, influencers, and tourism peers, are already guiding how we showcase Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana as a top destination to the world.
Global Reach at IPW
Visit Lake Charles traveled to Chicago for IPW 2025, the U.S. Travel Association’s premier international travel trade show. This event brings together U.S. destinations, global tour operators, and media from over 70 countries to shape the future of travel to and within the U.S.
Our team is there to do more than attend. Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush, Vice President of Sales Taylor Beard Stanley, and Director of Global Sales Kaitlyn Gallegos are actively promoting Southwest Louisiana, forging international partnerships, and gaining key insights to make our region a must-visit destination for global travelers. Our team met with more than 65 media professionals, tour operators, meeting planners, and marketing partners.
The team participated in key sessions focused on global travel trends, cruise and golf tourism, the impact of the U.S. National Parks, and strategies surrounding major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By connecting with international buyers and leveraging Brand USA’s data and guidance, VLC is ensuring that Southwest Louisiana is part of global itineraries and conversations.
Around the Destination
Golf Zoo
The Visit Lake Charles Sports Team recently had the opportunity to host Mark Sutherland and his wife on behalf of Golf Zoo, a national golf package provider that curates golf vacations across top destinations. Golf Zoo is partnering with the Golden Nugget, L’Auberge Casino Resort, and Mallard Golf Club to create tailored packages for travelers looking to tee off in Southwest Louisiana.
During their visit, the couple toured all three premier golf courses in the area and enjoyed a round at the Golden Nugget’s award-winning course with our Director of Sports Relations, Sam Moore. To round out the experience, they also got a taste of the local flavor with stops at popular restaurants like Shucks and Darrell’s.
This collaboration aims to position Lake Charles as a desirable golf destination, combining world-class play with authentic Southern hospitality.
UK Content Creators Explore SWLA
As part of their Deep South USA road trip, UK-based travel content creators Scott Tisson (Intrepid Escape) and Dave Brett (Travel Dave UK) made a stop in Southwest Louisiana, where Visit Lake Charles had the pleasure of hosting them for a weekend of authentic local experiences. Their stay began at L’Auberge Lake Charles, where they checked in for a relaxing night and enjoyed dinner that set the tone for a weekend filled with Southern hospitality.
Senior Director of Social Media/Communications Kathryn Shea Duncan joined them as they explored the natural beauty of the region along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, took in the views on Pintail Wildlife Drive, and walked along the shoreline at Rutherford Beach to experience the area’s coastal landscape and native birdlife.
To round out their visit, they sampled regional favorites with a stop at Chesson’s Grocery for classic boudin, followed by gumbo and po’boys at Pujo Street Café. The culinary stops offered a taste of the rich flavors that define Southwest Louisiana.
With support from our local partners and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the visit highlighted the culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of the region and showcased Southwest Louisiana as a welcoming destination for international travelers. Scott and Dave left with full stomachs, new memories, and stories they won’t soon forget – the kind they’ll be eager to share with audiences back home who may not yet know what they’re missing in Lake Charles.
Writer Explores SWLA for Upcoming Feature
Visit Lake Charles recently welcomed Janis Turk, a seasoned travel and food writer based in Austin, Texas. Turk is a regular contributor to prominent publications including Travel Channel, The Dallas Morning News and AAA Explorer.
During her visit, Turk gathered content for the cover story of Our Mississippi magazine, which will spotlight Southwest Louisiana’s outdoor adventures, distinctive culinary scene and emerging attractions such as the newest exhibitions at Historic City Hall: "Lake Area Music" and "Caught Up." Her storytelling will offer readers across the region an inside look at what makes Lake Charles a dynamic and flavorful destination.
CPSB Students Tour VLC
Students from the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s video production and commercial arts programs, including participants from Barbe, College Street Vocational Center, DeQuincy, Iowa, LaGrange, Sam Houston, Sulphur, Vinton, Washington-Marion and Westlake high schools, visited Visit Lake Charles for an engaging and educational field trip. During their visit, VLC’s Timothy Bush, Brady Renard and Candy Rodriguez shared insights on branding, marketing, content creation and advertising, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how tourism is promoted in Southwest Louisiana. The experience not only introduced students to potential career paths in the travel and tourism and hospitality industries, but also highlighted the vibrant culture, natural beauty and culinary scene that make our region so special.