FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
River Parishes Tourist Commission Names Craig Howat as Executive Director
(LaPlace, LA) — August 24, 2026 — The River Parishes Convention, Visitors and Tourist Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Howat as its new Executive Director. Howat brings a unique combination of experience in both academia and tourism, stepping into the role with a 31-year career dedicated to community engagement, destination promotion, and tourism development, all while exhibiting a people-first leadership style.
Throughout his career, Howat has built a reputation for fostering collaborative partnerships, developing innovative programs, and creating meaningful experiences that connect people with their communities. His varied background includes serving as a Gameday Coordinator with the New Orleans Saints football team, directing the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism education team for St. Charles Parish Public Schools, and co-directing Swamp School for St. Charles Parish Parks & Recreation. Driven by a personal passion for the great outdoors, culture, and travel, Howat has consistently demonstrated a commitment to showcasing the assets and unique story of the River Parishes region.
Howat’s extensive experience in education equipped him with strong skills in strategic planning and communication. He has led meaningful international exchange experiences for his students to destinations including Quebec City and Alberta, Canada.
His appointment comes as the region aligns with the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s statewide “Year of the Outdoors” campaign. Howat will leverage his background in eco-tourism, sports management, and international educational travel to highlight the area’s scenic waterways, historic sites, and outdoor adventures across Louisiana’s River Parishes.
“Craig’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our region. His unique blend of hands-on tourism experience and educator’s eye for storytelling is exactly what we need as we lean into the ‘Year of the Outdoors’ campaign. We look forward to seeing how he builds on the momentum we’ve established and deepens the connections between our communities and the travelers who discover them,” said Garrett Monti, Chairman of the River Parishes Convention, Visitors and Tourist Commission.
“Louisiana’s River Parishes possess an extraordinary blend of culture, natural beauty, and the genuine hospitality of our locals,” said Howat. “From the mighty Mississippi to our bayous and swamp tours to our vibrant cultural heritage, I look forward to connecting global travelers and local communities to everything that makes our region so special.”
Connect with Craig Howat and learn more about his background via his LinkedIn profile.
About the River Parishes Tourist Commission
The River Parishes Tourist Commission is the official destination management organization dedicated to driving economic growth and cultural preservation across St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes.
Media Contact:
River Parishes Tourist Commission
LaPlace, LA
