Former Visit Baton Rouge CEO inducted into Destinations International Hall of Fame

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Retired CEO and President of Visit Baton Rouge, Paul Arrigo, has been inducted into the Destinations International (DI) Hall of Fame.

According to Visit Baton Rouge, Destinations International is the world’s largest membership association for destination organizations.

“Destinations International is proud to honor Paul Arrigo with the Hall of Fame designation, recognizing his outstanding leadership, vision, and enduring contributions to both Baton Rouge and the broader travel and tourism industry,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Paul has helped elevate the standard of excellence in our field, inspiring peers and advancing the mission of destination stewardship worldwide. We look forward to formally recognizing his achievements during our Recognition Celebration at the 2025 Destinations International Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois, July 9–11.” 

The Hall of Fame launched in 2014 during DI’s 100th Anniversary to recognize those who have changed the future of destination marketing and management for the better. Officials say these individuals have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry and shaped travel marketing and management. It is the highest honor that Destinations International gives to its industry leaders, pioneers, advocates, and champions.

Arrigo served the hospitality industry for nearly 50 years and was most recently President/CEO of Visit Baton Rouge from 2002 until his retirement in 2022. 

During his tenure, Arrigo focused on a number of transformational projects for the organization.  He oversaw the purchase of 359 Third Street, which is Visit Baton Rouge’s current office and downtown Welcome Center. He led one of the first Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) in Louisiana to receive accreditation through DI, as well as oversaw the change of organization name for Visit Baton Rouge through legislative approval in 2012.

Arrigo also saw Baton Rouge host many successful events and conventions, such as Miss Teen USA, two Miss USA pageants, Bayou Country Superfest, the United States Bowling Congress, Women’s & Open Championships in 2005, 2012, and 2017, and the Garth Brooks Stadium Tour. All of these accomplishments brought local and national media to the city and state.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Arrigo said. “It reflects the economic impact and tourism development successes that the Visit Baton Rouge staff and board accomplished during my tenure with the organization. The organization’s continued success, since my retirement, is noteworthy.”

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