Kyle Edmiston, CDME

President/CEO

Kyle leads Visit Lake Charles with a focus on strategic vision, organizational growth, and partnerships that strengthen Southwest Louisiana’s tourism economy. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2019, he has guided the team through ambitious marketing initiatives, destination development, and community collaborations that showcase Lake Charles as Louisiana’s premier resort destination.

Before coming to Lake Charles, Kyle served as Director of the Louisiana Office of Tourism under two Lt. Governors and was President/CEO of Experience Ruston. With more than two decades in the travel and tourism industry, his leadership has been recognized nationally and statewide — from being named U.S. State Tourism Director of the Year in 2017 to receiving the Destinations International Organizational Leadership Award in 2023.

He is also an active industry voice, serving on the Executive Committee of the Destinations International Board of Directors as Chair-elect, the U.S. Travel Association Board of Delegates, and several statewide and local boards.

Awards & Accomplishments:

• Destinations International Destination Organizational Leadership Award (2023)
• Louisiana Community and Technical College System Joe D. May Excellence in Public Policy Award (2023)
• Marion “Butch” Fox Advocacy Award, Louisiana Travel Association (2022)
• National State Tourism Director of the Year (2017)
• HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Marketing (2017)
• Southeast Tourism Society Rising Star Award (2009)
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Destinations International (2008)

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