from the president
Stacy Brown
President & CEO, Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
On behalf of Visit ShreveportBossier, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the power of tourism to strengthen our community. The progress we experienced in 2025 reflects what can happen when public leaders, hospitality partners, businesses, and residents work together with a shared vision for the future of our region.
At Visit Shreveport-Bossier, we believe tourism is economic development. The work outlined in our 10-Year Destination Master Plan is not simply about attracting visitors—it is about creating a stronger, more vibrant community for the people who live here every day. From infrastructure and beautification efforts to supporting entrepreneurs and enhancing visitor experiences, these investments help drive opportunity, improve quality of life, and create pride in place.
In 2025, visitors generated an estimated $998.1 million in spending across Caddo and Bossier parishes, reinforcing the important role tourism plays in our local economy. The leisure and hospitality industry remains the region’s third-largest employer, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs and generating $127.7 million in earnings for local workers and families. We also saw encouraging growth in visitation. Shreveport Regional Airport welcomed more than 800,000 travelers—a 12% increase over the previous year—while room demand grew by 75,000 nights, bringing approximately 150,000 additional overnight visitors to experience our restaurants, attractions, sporting events, entertainment venues, and local culture.
This year also marked the successful launch of the Destination 318 Tourism Challenge, awarding $100,000 to entrepreneurs whose ideas directly support priorities identified in the Destination Master Plan. Additionally, we opened an interactive visitor center at Shreveport Regional Airport, helping travelers connect more easily with the people, places, and experiences that make our destination unique. As we look ahead, we are encouraged by continued year-overyear growth in occupancy and visitor spending, and we remain committed to leading with transparency, creativity, collaboration, and data-driven insights. Most importantly, we do this work because we love this community and believe deeply in the future of Shreveport-Bossier.
2026 BOARD MEMBERS
Charles Johnson Chairman
Tiffany Evans Vice Chairman
Andrea Butler Treasurer
Carlotta Askew-Brown Secretary
Jerome DuBose
Casey Hartley
Veronica Brown
Jason McKinney
Billy Anderson
Jennifer Boone
Annikea Boles
Jack “Bump” Skaggs
Kelly Darden
Joanna Folse-Alexander
Beth Smiley
STAFF MEMBERS
ADMINISTRATION
Stacy Brown, LCTP, CDME
President & CEO
Aaron Bronson Executive Vice President
Charlotte Rice Director of Administration
Molly Newberry Finance Manager
Lila Davis
Visitor Center Manager
Betty Walpool Visitor Services Specialist
Candy Welch
Visitor Services Specialist
DESTINATION
DEVELOPMENT
Karen Barnes Vice President of Destination Development COMMUNICATIONS
Serena Gray Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alex Tindall Director of Marketing & Communications
Emma Boone Public Relations & Digital Content Manager
Sidney Jackson
CONVENTIONS & MEETINGS SALES
David Bradley, CDME Vice President of Business Development
Suzanne Card, TMP Director of Sales
Jessica Rodgers, CMP National Sales Manager
Amy McGee Convention Sales Manager
Claire Harper CRM Sales/Service Coordinator
FILM & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
Wade Marshall Film & Entertainment Commissioner
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER SPORTS COMMISSION
David Bradley, CDME Vice President of Business Development
Sara Aymond Nelms Director of Sports
Matt Hammock Senior Sponsorship Manager
Cicely Parson, M.S. Event Manager
Teresa Manley, Ed.D. Event Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Holly Jenkins Marketing Coordinator
Visitor Insights
Visitor Insights
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Visitor Demographics
Top 5 Origin States
Distance Share
% SHARE OF TRIPS
Two Cities, One Heart. Endless Impact.
Tourism Strengthens Communities
In 2025, visitors generated an estimated $998.1 MILLION in spending across Caddo and Bossier parishes, reinforcing the strength of our local economy.
Tourism
Supports Our Workforce
The leisure and hospitality industry is Caddo-Bossier’s 3rd largest employer, supporting 19,825 jobs and $127.7 MILLION in employment earnings in 2025.
Tourism Enhances Local Infrastructure
In 2025, Shreveport Regional Airport welcomed 800,135 travelers—a 12% increase over 2024—enabling facility enhancements and a growing demand for our destination.
Tourism Sustains Local Businesses
In 2025, room demand grew by 75,000 nights, meaning roughly 150,000 more overnight visitors experienced local attractions, restaurants, sporting events and entertainment venues than the prior year.
ENOUGH AND SOUL
TWO CITIES.
Flavor, STYLE FOR
Serena Gray Vice President of Marketing & Communications
In 2025, the Marketing Department at Visit Shreveport-Bossier implemented a strategic, data-driven plan designed to amplify our reach and impact across key drive markets, including Houston, Baton Rouge, and Dallas. Guided by insights from visitor behavior, spending patterns, and campaign performance, our team refined targeting strategies to ensure our messaging reached the right audiences at the right time, inspiring increased visitation and deeper engagement.
In alignment with the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s “Year of Food” campaign, Shreveport-Bossier embraced the opportunity to elevate intentional storytelling around our culinary scene. We highlighted the passion, creativity, and authenticity of local restaurants and chefs—individuals whose stories and craftsmanship resonate deeply with visitors and locals alike. With a goal to increase dine-in restaurant spending by 6% year-over-year, we leveraged compelling content, strategic media placements, and audience segmentation to invite travelers to experience the flavor, style, and soul that define our destination.
While some year-over-year metrics declined, this shift reflects a more intentional strategy focused on reaching audiences who have already demonstrated interest in our destination or similar markets. Rather than broad reach alone, we prioritized precision—connecting with high-intent travelers more likely to convert. This is a meaningful win, signaling stronger alignment with qualified visitors who drive greater economic impact.
These efforts delivered exceptional results, with Restaurant & Dining Spend increasing by 20% year-over-year. Beyond leisure marketing, our department supports initiatives across sports, meetings, destination development, and film and entertainment—ensuring a unified and impactful approach. As visitation continues to rise, we remain committed to advancing our strategies through innovative marketing, public relations, sales, and development efforts that move our destination forward with purpose.
communications department
Shreveport-Bossier Things to Do
Implemented
Chef Hardette Harris wins Best Taste Award at LA Food & Wine Festival and Chef Rodrigo Mondragon wins 3rd in Best Taste Award at St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival.
Partner Testimonial
Launched a successful rebrand of Red River Balloon Rally.
“Partnering with Visit Shreveport-Bossier has been such a positive experience for our business. Their support, promotion, and community involvement helped us reach new customers and create stronger connections within the local community. We truly appreciate having an organization that actively supports and uplifts local businesses like ours in downtown. Their team genuinely cares about helping The Noble Savage grow and succeed, and we are grateful for everything they do to support the community and local hospitality scene.”
— Shilpan Patel
Owner of The Noble Savage
Heart. TWO ONE PLACES.
David Bradley, CDME Vice President of Business Development
2025 marked a true turning point for our destination. VSB/SBSC strengthened internal structures, invested in team development, and advanced key initiatives that helped us exceed goals and open more doors than ever before. Our focused efforts in target markets translated into meaningful business wins and increased visitor spending for both Caddo and Bossier Parishes. This progess was a community effort. Our hospitality partners—from hotels and casinos to the Triad area-wide sales team—collaborated to secure conferences well into the future, reinforcing confidence in our destination’s ability to deliver exceptional service to the meetings and events industry. With new attractions, a growing culinary scene, and an expanding list of experiences for visitors to enjoy, our destination continues to shine. Coupled with the exeptional service provided to meeting planners, event organizers, and attendees, it’s why we have a 90% intent to return rate.
Conventions & meetings department
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Conventions & Meetings Sales Snapshot
$59.9M
Performance
116
Meetings Hosted
Achievements Partner Testimonial
Jessica Rodgers, honored as Supplier of the Year from MPI DFW Chapter
65,782
111,829
Suzanne Card, promoted to Director of Sales
Rodgers, promoted to National Sales Manager
“Our MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Board Retreat in Shreveport-Bossier was an outstanding experience, and it truly would not have been possible without the incredible partnership between Visit Shreveport-Bossier and Live! Casino & Hotel. From the earliest planning conversations through on-site execution, the CVB team was proactive, responsive, and deeply invested in ensuring our board had both a productive working retreat and a memorable destination experience. Live! Casino & Hotel delivered a first-class environment that perfectly balanced business, hospitality, and entertainment. Our board left energized, aligned, and genuinely impressed by the destination — and many are already talking about returning with future programs. Shreveport-Bossier exceeded expectations in every way.”
— Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM Former President, MPI Dallas/Fort Worth
Jessica
FUN! FUELING THE
Sara Nelms Director of Sports
In 2025, we focused on expanding our outdoor product offerings and hosting events that effectively meet those needs. While the total number of groups booked was down, the size of those groups increased—resulting in more room nights generated and a greater number of visitors hosted within our community. This strategic shift reflects a focus on higher-impact opportunities that drive stronger economic return.
Additionally, we increased our sponsorship revenue by 9% and secured seven new partners. We also finalized a four-year title sponsorship agreement for the Red River Balloon Rally. Building on this momentum, we are actively engaging with multiple national brands and businesses to further grow and diversify our sponsorship portfolio as we move into 2026 and beyond.
Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Sports Sales Snapshot
Sporting Events Hosted
Achievements
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission’s performance index is 84% higher than the national average.
Partner Testimonial
Matthew Hammock secured 7 new partners increasing sponsorships by 9%.
As of December 2025, SBSC secured 10 multi-year event agreements and 3 multi-year sponsorship agreements.
“Working with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission has been an exceptional experience for the Archery Shooters Association. Camp Minden has quickly become a favorite stop on our Pro/Am Tour, offering expansive competition grounds and a unique setting that elevates the experience for both our athletes and fans. The level of coordination and hospitality from the region—from local partners to community stakeholders—creates an environment where our event can truly thrive. From seamless event execution to the welcoming atmosphere and authentic Louisiana cuisine, Shreveport-Bossier consistently delivers. It’s a partnership we value and one that plays an important role in the continued success of our tour.”
— Josh Grine President, Archery Shooters Association
Wade Marshall Film & Entertainment Commissioner
Real PLACES, Reel ACTION
In 2025, the Shreveport-Bossier Film and Entertainment Commission made significant strides in advancing the region’s film, television, and entertainment industries. The Commission supported multiple film and television productions almost every month, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a production-ready destination. Workforce development remained a priority through the support of industry training programs and the creation of quarterly Film Industry Meetups, fostering networking and professional growth within the local creative community.
Efforts also focused on expanding tourism opportunities by researching new music and entertainment-based initiatives, while strengthening community and arts partnerships across the region. The Commission played an active role in legislative advocacy, supporting the continued success of Louisiana’s film tax incentive program.
On a national and international level, representation was elevated through AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) certification, further positioning the region on the global stage. A new website experience was launched to better serve industry professionals and stakeholders.
Additionally, the Commission supported the expansion and infrastructure development of G-Unit Studios, contributed to the growth of local crew and vendor resources, and expanded regional location and scouting assets. Strategic meetings were also held in Los Angeles with major studios and stakeholders, including Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, NBC Universal, and Amazon, to attract future productions and strengthen industry relationships. Together, these efforts are building a strong, lasting infrastructure that positions Northwest Louisiana as a thriving hub for film and entertainment.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Film & Entertainment Snapshot
Production Activity
TV & Film Projects Supported
FEATURE FILMS
Workforce Development
3 4 2 1 1 TV / STREAMING PROJECTS
QUARTERLY MEETUPS
Industry Impact
FEATURE PILOT
NATIONAL TV COMMERCIAL
Film and entertainment activity generated $0.7M in economic impact in 2025, supporting local jobs, hotels, restaurants, equipment vendors and local services and rentals.
Achievements
Wade Marshall appointed to Film Louisiana Board of Directors
Partner Testimonial
Achieved Association of Film Commissioners International certification
Secured a visit with NBC/ Universal Studios in Los Angeles, CA.
“Securing locations and offering options for out-of-town producers are among the most important factors in landing projects in this town. Having a Commission dedicated to meeting those needs has been crucial in keeping the local industry alive and ongoing.”
— Eric Gibson Producer at Gorilla Tree Productions
Destination Development Department
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Destination Development Snapshot
In 2025, the Destination Development Department at Visit Shreveport-Bossier continued advancing the strategic initiatives outlined in the region’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan through projects centered on community enhancement, workforce development, entrepreneurship, placemaking, and quality-of-life improvements that strengthen the visitor experience and local economy alike.
A major focus this year was supporting initiatives aimed at blight reduction and neighborhood revitalization. In partnership with the Mayor of Shreveport, the Block-by-Block Clean Sweep initiative was launched; a community-driven effort designed to improve the appearance and perception of key corridors and neighborhoods throughout the destination. The initiative resulted in the removal of more than 810 tons of litter and debris, the collection of 3,035 tires, and the engagement of more than 300 registered volunteers, alongside many additional community participants. The program’s success and collaborative approach were later highlighted at the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Conference in Baton Rouge, where Visit Shreveport-Bossier joined community partners to present the initiative as a model for community engagement and beautification.
Supporting tourism-related entrepreneurship and unique visitor experiences also remained a strategic priority. Through partnerships with Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program as well as local and regional business leaders, Visit ShreveportBossier launched the Destination 318 Tourism Challenge, a division of BRF, awarding $100,000 to six innovative concepts aligned with the Master Plan’s vision for destination growth. Funded projects included an open-air venue, pedicab transportation service, seasonal festivals and events, bicycle tours and rentals, and a Southern fried pie concept—all designed to enhance the region’s hospitality offerings and visitor appeal.
The department also continued investing in workforce and leadership development initiatives that support long-term economic sustainability. In partnership with AMI Alternative School, Visit Shreveport-Bossier hosted a workforce development job fair connecting students ages 16–21 with public and private sector employers, helping prepare the next generation of hospitality and community leaders. Additionally, department representatives participated in the Community Development Institute hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, strengthening professional expertise in community and economic development strategies that will continue guiding the destination forward with intentionality and impact.
Achievements
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Award for Block-by-Block initiative
Successfully completed Destination 318 Tourism Challenge awarding $100,000 to 6 local entrepreneurs
Recruited 12 regional choirs to attend the 2026 Voices of the Dream Choir Competition
Karen Barnes Vice President of Destination Development Partner Testimonial
“Great partnerships work a lot like a thriving ecosystem, and Visit Shreveport-Bossier brings that vision to life. They have a unique way of connecting people, ideas, and organizations to help our communities grow stronger together. Whether they’re bringing municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses to the same table or shining a spotlight on the people doing the work behind the scenes, they create momentum that is collaborative, meaningful, and genuinely exciting to be part of. Visit Shreveport-Bossier doesn’t just support the community—they energize it.”
— Lauren LJ Jones Executive Director, Shreveport Green
Destination Master Plan Strategic Goals
Visit Shreveport-Bossier | Destination Strategic Goals
Increase and diversify community collaboration.
Accelerate mixed-use development, placemaking, and mobility innovation along the two urban waterfronts.
Increase support for local entrepreneurs in art, culture, film, food, music, retail and other creative businesses.
Capitalize on the surging demand for sports tourism.
Increase visitor volumes in the meeting and conventions sector.
closing message
Stacy Brown
President & CEO, Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
Accelerate business development in outdoor recreation and update event venues.
Since activating the 10-Year Destination Master Plan in 2023, Visit Shreveport-Bossier has continued evolving into a more collaborative, innovative, and impact-driven organization dedicated to shaping the future of our region. What began as a vision for tourism growth has expanded into a broader commitment to community development, economic opportunity, placemaking, and destination stewardship.
Over the last several years, our organization has grown to include both the Film & Entertainment Commission and the Destination Development Department—two strategic additions that further reinforce that tourism is economic development. Through stronger partnerships with community leaders, municipalities, developers, sports organizations, and hospitality partners, we are seeing meaningful momentum across multiple sectors. From advancing conversations around downtown development and sporting facility enhancements to strengthening citywide meetings and conventions that generate increased economic impact, collaboration has become one of our destination’s greatest strengths.
The completion of the Boom or Bust Byway gateway signage project activated new opportunities for rural tourism enhancement and regional storytelling, while initiatives like Destination 318 and Block-byBlock demonstrated how tourism investment can directly improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Internally, Visit Shreveport-Bossier was honored with the Fired-Up Award for outstanding workplace culture, reflecting our commitment to servant leadership, collaboration, and organizational excellence. As we continue moving forward, we remain focused on leading with intentionality, transparency, creativity, and data-driven insights—always grounded in our love for this community and our belief in the limitless potential of Shreveport-Bossier.
