LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– Louisiana tourism is expected to grow from nationwide events like America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the LA Office of Tourism, travel spending generates plenty of tax revenue, saving each household in Louisiana $1,098 a year in taxes that would be needed to maintain current services.

Walt Leger, New Orleans and Company CEO, echoes the importance of those visitor dollars, saying without them, “More of that burden would fall on residents.”

Besides tax dollars, residents are given other opportunities from this thriving tourism industry.

Leger said his biggest advice to Acadiana is to be creative with big events.

The creativity from New Orleans businesses as Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour made its way to the Superdome allowed more than just hospitality hubs, like hotels, to benefit from the uptick in tourists.

Instead of just hosting, they played into her image and songs to promote their services and products.

After seeing the success from this creativity, the NOLA travel expert said Acadiana businesses can do the same with big events happening outside of Acadiana.

“FIFA World Cup in 2026…you know, those soccer matches aren’t going to be played here in Louisiana, but they are going to be in Houston and Dallas and Atlanta and in Miami, among other cities in the country,” Leger said. “That creates an opportunity for us to be able to attract either drive distance from Houston or our flight into New Orleans.”

Leger continued, “Create a connection point between that event and your business. So, if we’re talking about soccer fans, then what can you do to elevate that as a part of the Lafayette community and celebrate it?”

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