2024 Annual Report
From the Director’s Desk
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together. The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission (SPTC) staff launched 2024 in spectacular fashion by hosting two prestigious national season openers at Toledo Bend: the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour and the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite. The MLF season opener was particularly momentous, marking their first visit to Toledo Bend, where our own Justin Cooper made an impressive debut by finishing 8th in his inaugural professional tournament. Meanwhile, the Bassmaster Elite, making a triumphant return after a seven-year absence, drew record-breaking crowds and generated a significant economic boost for the parish. These extraordinary events have firmly reaffirmed Toledo Bend as a top-tier destination in the world of professional fishing.
Beyond hosting these world-class tournaments, our team has successfully forged new partnerships and brought new tourism experiences, such as the Toledo Bend Big Foot Symposium. This unexpected yet captivating event not only showcased the rich diversity of our destination but also celebrated its unique culture, delighting both Bigfoot enthusiasts and residents alike. Our collective efforts were celebrated at the annual meeting of the Louisiana Travel Association, where we were honored to be named CVB of the Year for the second consecutive year a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Nonetheless, the best highlight of the past year was the celebration of our cherished Ms. Bonnie. Bonnie Fox-Miles has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Tourist Commission and Sabine Parish before retiring from the Board in 2024. Her generous spirit, invaluable guidance, and steadfast support will be profoundly missed. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her. Ms. Bonnie, your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy will resonate for years to come. We love you dearly!
Sincerely,
Georgia Craven
Bonnie Fox-Miles SPTC Board Member
MISSION
It is the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission’s Mission to showcase our Toledo Bend Lake Country, a place rich in diverse culture, recreation and natural beauty, to visitors and locals
VISION
Sabine Parish Tourist Commission's Vision is to Toledo Bend Lake Country will be nationally recognized as a premier lake destination
Strategic IMPERATIVES
❑ Implement data-driven marketing strategy to promote our destination to domestic and international travelers
❑ Partner and advocate to develop new tourism products
❑ Support our hospitality and community partners
❑ Strengthen agency brand in community
❑ Amplify organizational effectiveness
Funds Were Spent
How is the Tourist Commission Funded?
Big Lake, Big Fun
The Toledo Bend reservoir hosts approximately 100 local, regional and national fishing tournaments per year.
Visitor’s enjoy fishing, camping, fun on the beaches, and the newlyrenovated golf course.
Big Lake, Big Festivals
Big Lake, Big Tournaments
Big Lake, Big Economic Impact
Goal: Increase Occupancy Tax revenue by 5% over 2023.
Results: Local Occupancy Tax revenue increased by 5.5% over 2023.
Nearly $11M in Visitor Spending 2023
*Source: University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center
The 2024 visitor spending data not available until after May 2025.
$1.24M Tax Revenue Taxes paid by visitors reduces each household tax bill
Big Lake, Big Strategy
Goal: Implement a data-driven marketing strategy to promote our destination to domestic and international travelers
❑ Increase social media engagement rate by 10%
❑ Increase visits to the website by 10%
❑ Increase marketing engagement in drivable markets via digital, radio, TV, and social media campaigns
Results: Engagement rates up 44% and website visits up 15%
Big Lake, Big Partnerships
Local
❑ Sabine River Authority
❑ Chamber of Commerce
❑ Economic Development Council
❑ Sabine Parish Government
❑ Toledo Bend Lake Association
❑ Countless local business sponsors
❑ Professional sponsorship-Gleason Fishing
State & Regional
❑ El Camino Real – Caddo Region
❑ No Man’s Land
❑ Louisiana Love the Boot Program
❑ Louisiana Office of Tourism
❑ Louisiana Travel Association
❑ Louisiana Trails & Byway Program
❑ Louisiana Birding Trail
National
❑ El Camino Real de los Tejas
❑ Cane River National Heritage Area
❑ Main Street America Program
Goal: Support our hospitality & community partners
Results: Kelsi Horn, Marketing & Events manager hosts quarterly networking events meetings designed to educate and empower the community and our tourism partners.
Pro Angler Darold Gleason
K. Horn, G. Clark, R. Schamerhorn, G. Craven & W. Bloom
Big New Events
Goal: Partner and advocate to develop new tourism products
Results: The Tourist Commission, in collaboration with Rick and Kim Tuttle, owners of Tasty Treats on the Bend, planned and executed the 1st annual Toledo Bend Bigfoot Symposium. The event was held at Wildwood Resort and featured numerous local business sponsors. This inaugural event attracted approximately 100 participants from 7 states, as well as local attendees, and raised nearly $2K for the Higher Calling Wildlife organization.
Rick & Kim Tuttle Tasty Treats on the Bend
Russ Accord, Researcher & TV Personality
Shelly Covington & Lyle Blackburn
Welcoming Visitors & Locals
The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission is open to visitors Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm to welcome visitors to Toledo Bend Lake Country. The Tourist Commission is also home to community events and celebrations during the year.
Visitors in 2024
197 visitors signed the guest book Guests traveled from 16 states, including LA, TX, SD, MO, FL, and CA
Local Celebrations
Holiday Jingle & Mingle
Brochure & Visitor Guide Inquiries in 2024
The Toledo Bend Lake Country Visitor Guide and Experience Guide tells visitors things to do, and where to stay and eat while in the area. An average of 60 visitor guides and other brochures were sent to travelers each month.
Lora Peace, Kelsi Horn, Jordan Lane
Accomplishments & Awards
Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA): Kelsi Horn, SPTC Marketing & Events Manager, completed LTA’s Leadership Academy, a year-long program aimed at developing up and coming professionals in the tourism industry.
Louisiana Tourism Certified Travel Specialist: Krystal Sepulvado successfully completed the Certified Travel Specialist program.
World-Class Professional Bass Tournaments for a World-Class Fishery: The SPTC team hosted Bassmaster Elite and Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour tournaments bringing two of the sport’s most prestigious organization o Toledo Bend Lake!
Community Partnerships: Hosted 2nd annual Career Day with NSU Hospitality Management & Tourism program to introduce students to TBLC and the careers available in hospitality industry.
Outstanding Convention & Visitor’s Bureau of the Year: This award recognizes exceptional efforts in tourism promotions through events, activities or marketing initiatives, showing proof of return on investments through increased visitation. SPTC received the 2024 Louey Award for Outstanding CVB of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association.
2025 Louey Award
TOLEDO BEND LAKE COUNTRY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LAUREN MOORE, PRESIDENT
Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce
MARTHA HENDERSON, VICE PRESIDENT City of Zwolle
SUZANNE WILLIAMS, TREASURER Mayor of Florien
EDITH PALMER
Sabine Parish Tourist and Recreation Commission
HANNAH SAVELL
Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce
NOAH FOULK
Sabine Parish Police Jury
MARY BROCATO Mayor of Many
TOLEDO BEND LAKE COUNTRY STAFF
GEORGIA CRAVEN EXECUTIVE DIECTOR
KELSI HORN MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER
KRYSTAL SEPULVADO OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Toledo Bend Lake Country at Natchitoches Christmas Parade
