A Look at the Hospitality Industry in Louisiana
Hospitality is big business. In 2023, restaurants and hotels worldwide brought in more than $4.7 trillion. And few states can match Louisiana’s role in that success.
Tourism here has climbed steadily for nearly two decades. In 2022, Louisiana welcomed 42.6 million visitors who spent about $17.1 billion. That’s enough to buy each guest more than 100 pounds of crawfish tails. Cha-ching!
New Orleans alone broke records in 2019. According to the French Quarter Business Association, “the city welcomed 19.75 million visitors, a 6.7 percent increase in visitors compared to the previous year.”
The city remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the U.S., and the ripple effect of that demand touches every corner of the state.
For professionals who see this growth as opportunity, the future looks bright. The 鶹AV’s 100% online MBA in Hospitality Management is designed to help you turn Louisiana’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry into a rewarding career, whether you’re managing hotels locally or expanding your reach abroad.
What Is the Industry’s Scope in Louisiana?
At its core, hospitality is about creating memorable experiences. From restaurants and resorts to cruise ships, theaters, and theme parks, the industry exists to welcome guests, engage them, and keep them coming back.
The industry encompasses five major sectors: lodging, restaurants and bars, transportation, entertainment and recreation, and general retail. In Louisiana, visitors spend the most on food and lodging — each about 24% of total spending in 2022 — followed by transportation, entertainment, and retail. Restaurants and hotels saw especially strong growth that year, with meals up 22% and lodging up 13%.
Unlike other states, Louisiana offers something that can’t be copied: a cultural mix of Cajun and Creole cuisine, jazz, Mardi Gras, and history that goes back to the Louisiana Purchase. That heritage is a major reason why people return year after year.
Key Indicators of Industry Prosperity
Louisiana’s thriving hospitality industry powers the state economy. As of 2022, it supported nearly 219,000 jobs, making it the fourth largest industry for employment in the state.
Other key measures show similar strength:
14.1 million airport passengers in 2022
20.4 million hotel room nights sold
4.8 million convention room nights booked
Each of these is projected to keep growing, especially air travel, which means even more demand for skilled leaders in the industry.
Tourism also delivers a huge economic impact. From 2019 to 2022, visitor spending added more than $66 billion in direct value to Louisiana’s economy — and that figure is only expected to rise.
Tourism Fuels the State Economy
Major events like the Super Bowl highlight just how powerful this sector is. New Orleans has hosted the championship game 11 times, tied only with Miami. Rival cities bid to host each Super Bowl, raising the stakes until it becomes economically unfeasible for all but the highest bidders.
The economic impact has to be significant to justify the cost. In Louisiana, the thriving tourism industry — with more restaurants, hotels and bars per capita than most cities — makes it work by maximizing Super Bowl fan spending.
That kind of momentum requires people with the right mix of business expertise and hospitality know-how. And that’s where education comes in.
Tourism added $66.8 billion dollars in direct value to the Louisiana economy from 2019-2022. This figure is projected to rise steadily over the next several years, which will necessitate a corresponding increase in educational preparation for careers in hospitality.
Uncle Sam Wants You, and So Does Cajun Country
Louisiana’s hospitality industry is on the move. If you’re ready to move with it, 鶹AV’s MBA in Hospitality Management online can help you get there. In just 15 months, you’ll build the leadership skills, business foundation, and industry insight to take your career farther — whether you’re staying close to home or going global.
Learn more about the 鶹AV MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management online program.