Thursday, 14 January, 2010 9:06
by Nishia
Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier is one of the largest celebrations in the region attracting some 400,000 parade-goers with an economic impact of $17 million in direct revenue to the sister cities, according to the latest economic impact study released in 2008 by the LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research.
“We recognize that Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier is the second largest celebration of its kind in the state,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “It is good for the economy attracting a significant number of out-of-town visitors.”
This year, for the first time, the tourist bureau has created and will be displaying 125 Mardi Gras banners welcoming people to the celebration. The Downtown Development Authority and Bossier City were integral partners. Some 100 banners will be placed throughout downtown Shreveport and the remainder in Bossier City.
Other marketing efforts by the tourist bureau to draw big crowds include printing and distributing a Mardi Gras brochure placed in hotels and restaurants in a 300-mile radius. The tourist bureau advertises Mardi Gras in publications such as Travel Host, Austin Monthly, Group Tour Operator and Bank Travel Management, and does direct mail marketing, website promotions and more to lure visitors to the zaniest and most exciting party in north Louisiana.
One of the tourist bureau’s biggest events is the annual Mardi Gras Bash to attract group tour buses, media and meeting planners. The Bash will be held Feb. 6 and 13. This is the fifth year to host the event. The media coming will represent publications such as Queen’s Times, USA Travel Magazine and La Voz Latina to name a few. The meeting planners will be representing various clients and have the potential to generate future conferences for Shreveport-Bossier. The Mardi Gras Bash has an economic impact of $130,000.
“We will bring in anywhere from five to 10 qualified meeting planners for the Bash. They are looking for cities just like Shreveport-Bossier for their future meetings,” said Kim Brice, vice president of convention marketing for the tourist bureau.
Multiple group tours will take advantage of the Bash over the two weekends bringing between 200 and 400 participants each weekend. Not only do the groups attend the bash, but they visit several local attractions including the Louisiana Boardwalk, Mardi Gras Museum, float-loading parties, Spirit of the Red River Cruise, and Stage of Stars Museum.
Patti Harrell of Patti Tours said, “The Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras Bash is a great way to experience Mardi Gras. I really enjoyed the comfort of the private event.”
Groups are welcome. The cost is $25 per person. For more information contact Erica Howard, Leisure Sales Manager for the tourist bureau, at 800-551-8682 ext. 116 or ehoward@sbctb.org. For a complete list of Mardi Gras events visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com.