Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is proud to celebrate February 19, 2025, as Destination Professionals Day to honor the people and organizations that drive tourism, economic growth and community vitality worldwide.
The date holds special significance: on February 19, 1896, members of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Manufacturers Club came together at the Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, to form the world’s first destination organization, the Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League. With a mission of “hustling for conventions,” this group laid the foundation for an industry that has since grown into a global driver of economic and social progress.
“Destination Professionals Day is a time to celebrate the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to enhance the visitor experience and drive economic growth in communities like Lake Charles,” said Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “Tourism is more than just an industry— it’s a catalyst for job creation, cultural preservation, and regional prosperity. At Visit Lake Charles, we are proud to be part of this global network, showcasing the vibrant culture and hospitality of Southwest Louisiana to the world.”
Today, there are more than 10,000 destination organizations around the world representing a broad spectrum of entities, including destination marketing organizations (DMOs), convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), tourism boards, sports commissions and film offices. These organizations are a cornerstone of the travel and tourism industry, which employs almost 348 million people and was expected to contribute about 10% of global GDP – more than $11 trillion – to the global economy in 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
In Calcasieu Parish, the impact of Visit Lake Charles includes welcoming seven million visitors in 2023, generating $800 million in total spending—a 3.3% increase from 2021. The region also experienced a rise in per-person trip expenditures going up from $184 in 2021 to $195 in 2023. Every dollar spent in Southwest Louisiana supports local businesses, provides jobs, and strengthens our economy.
Why February 19 Matters
Recognizing February 19 as Destination Professionals Day aims to raise awareness by highlighting the vital contributions of destination professionals in enriching community life and driving economic development; celebrate the achievements and recognize the hard work and dedication of destination professionals across all roles and organizations; and inspire future destination leaders by showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the sector to attract the next generation of professionals.
The selection of February 19 as Destination Professionals Day pays homage to the founding of the first destination organization 129 years ago that sparked a global movement that continues to transform destinations like Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana into ideal places to visit, live, work, play and invest.
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About Visit Lake Charles:
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.
