Lt. Gov. Nungesser seeks direct flights, cultural links to draw visitors from Canada

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said people living in Canada could be more inclined to visit Louisiana after the value of the Canadian dollar strengthens and trade concerns lessen.

Nungesser’s five-day visit consisted of stops in Toronto, Montréal and Québec City and resulted in a “positive reception.” He noted a conversation with Air Canada about direct flights from Toronto to New Orleans.

According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, nearly $194 million was spent by around 185,000 visiting Canadians in Louisiana in 2024.

Cultural ties to France and the French language serve as a common ground for Canada and Louisiana. Nungesser said conversations were held about shared French heritage with the Honorable Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, and the Honorable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs and President of the Treasury Board.

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