FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission Celebrates First-Ever Destination Professionals Day
(LaPlace, La.) – Feb. 19, 2025 – The River Parishes Tourist Commission, the organization dedicated to promoting Louisiana’s River Parishes as a visitor destination, is proud to celebrate Destination Professionals Day today 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.
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 2023,
- Louisiana’s River Parishes generated over $218 million in visitor spending.
- 2,400 jobs and $73.5 million in employment earnings were generated by visitor spending.
- Visitors contributed $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues for Louisiana’s River Parishes.
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 the Louisiana’s River Parishes into ideal places to visit, live, work, play, and invest.
Marketing Partner Quarterly Luncheon Meetings
“Tourism flourishes when local communities take pride in sharing their stories. Our Marketing Partner Quarterly Luncheon Meetings showcase this commitment,” said Denise Burrell, Executive Director of the River Parishes Tourist Commission. “We sincerely appreciate the local community, community leaders, and stakeholders for their ongoing dedication and support of tourism. Their participation and contributions to the Commission’s Quarterly Luncheon Meetings highlight this commitment.”
To celebrate Destination Professionals Day, the River Parishes Tourist Commission will present Certificates of Appreciation to honor the following ambassadors:
2022 Marketing Partner Quarterly Luncheon Meetings
Presenters
| Nolan Lougue | Riverlands Insurance Services |
| Derrius Taylor | Destination Transportation |
| Harold Lewis | Lewis Coaches |
| Dayna James | United Front Transportation Services |
| Chris Stelly | Louisiana Entertainment |
| Carroll Morton | Film New Orleans |
| John Collins | Film Location Manager | Netflix | Snoot Entertainment |
| Chris Quackenbush | Film Location Manager | Sony |Harpo Films |
| Gerard Sellers | Film Location Manager | Apple Studios | Shadowcatcher |
| Steven Fisk | Evergreen Plantation |
| Joseph Gilly | St. Joseph Plantation |
| Emy D. Rome | Magnolia Film Studios (Formerly Quixote Studios |
| Stanley Bienemy | Air Products Louisiana Clean Energy Complex |
| Corey Faucheux | St. Charles Parish Economic Development |
| Audrey Temple | St. James Parish Economic Development |
| Zachary Holifield | Coastal Mississippi |
| Sandra Corbitt | Explore Houma |
| Arianna Mace | Propel Consulting, LLC |
Venues
Lloyd B. Johnson Training Center, LaPlace, Louisiana
Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, Luling, Louisiana
Oak Alley Plantation Pavilion, Vacherie, Louisiana
River Parishes Community College Reserve Campus, Reserve, Louisiana
2023 Marketing Partner Quarterly Luncheon Meetings
Presenters
| R.J. Ory | Louisiana Steam Train Association | Owner, the Bank Venue |
| Crystal Durand | Boudreaux’s Restaurant |
| Duane Foret | St. Charles Parish Parks & Recreation |
| Marla Bricnac | Ferry Landing Two Vintage and Makers’ Market |
| Mary Walker | Ferry Landing Two Vintage and Makers’ Market |
| Avorie Gravois | PJ’s Coffee, Lutcher, Louisiana |
| Pete Dufresne | St. James Parish, Parish President |
| Emily Gautreaux | St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations |
| Chris Stelly | Louisiana Entertainment |
| Frank Fisher | Panavision |
| Angela Miller | Film Location Manager | Netflix |Apple TV |Amazon TV |
| Michelle Jenkins | St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development |
| Emy D. Rome | Magnolia Studios (Formerly Quixote Studios) |
| Ariel Triggs | River Parishes Community College, Reserve Campus |
| Penelope Shumaker | River Parishes Community College, United Way of St. Charles Campus |
| Steven A. Bourgeois | Mayor of Gramercy |
Venues
The Bank, Garyville, Louisiana
Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center, Luling, Louisiana
St. James Boat Club Launch, Gramercy, Louisiana
River Parishes Community College, United Way of St, Charles Campus, Boutte Louisiana
2024 Marketing Partner Quarterly Luncheon Meetings
Presenters
| Jay Cicero | New Orleans Sports Foundation & Super Bowl LIX Host Committee |
| Leanne C. Benedict | St. Charles Parish Library System |
| Andrea Tullos | St. John the Baptist Parish Library System |
| Keri Walker | St. James Parish Library System |
| Celise Reech-Harper | Louisiana Library Association |
| Vondra Etinee-Steib | St. James Parish Council |
| Rachael Burns | Q Hotels Management |
| Megan Ryburn | Louisiana Travel Association |
| Lynn Coxwell | Louisiana Office of Tourism |
| Mark Anderson | Poche Plantation RV Park |
| Jason Waggenspack | The Ranch Film Studios |
| Emy D. Rome | Magnolia Film Studios (Formerly Quixote Film Studios) |
| Gabriel Markel | Markel Lumber |
| Mike Boudreaux | Shantrell M. New Sarpy Swamp |
| Shantrell M. Green | New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) |
| Simonette Berry | International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) 478 |
Venues
Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, Luling, Louisiana
The Port of South Louisiana, Reserve, Louisiana
Poche Plantation RV Park, Convent, Louisiana
Magnolia Film Studios (Formerly Quixote Film Studios)
Special Recognitions
Special recognition goes to our Parish Presidents, Matthew Jewell, St. Charles Parish, Jaclyn Hotard, St. John the Baptist Parish, and Pete Dufresne, St. James Parish for their unwavering, leadership, and dedication to advocating for tourism in Louisiana’s River Parishes.
Special recognition also goes to ambassadors Theron Oubre, New Orleans Licensed Tour Guide; Leslie Brewer, Destrehan Plantation; Tracy Smith, Destrehan Plantation; Trenice Cooper, Whitney Plantation; and Hillary Loeber, Oak Alley Plantation. These ambassadors are always available to ensure the meetings run smoothly and are successful.
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About the River Parishes Tourist Commission
The River Parishes Tourist Commission (RPTC) is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Louisiana’s River Parishes, which include St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes. RPTC promotes the region as a travel destination by highlighting its rich history, cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions. The commission works to attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance the tourism industry’s impact on the community. For more information, visit www.lariverparishes.com.
Contacts:
Denise Burrell
Executive Director
River Parishes Tourist Commission
Willma Harvey, CDME
Director of Sales and Business Development
River Parishes Tourist Commission
