Stacy Brown, representing Visit Shreveport-Bossier, briefed the commission on tourism and destination-marketing results, reporting higher visitor spending and an increase in hotel-room demand compared with national trends.

Brown said 9.7 million domestic travelers visited Caddo and Bossier parishes in 2024 and cited roughly $933 million in direct spending by overnight visitors (figures presented during the briefing). She highlighted projects and grants that support local destination development, including gateway signage along the Boomer Bus Byway and promotional work for the newly opened Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center.

The bureau also reported growth in paid website traffic and public-relations activity, and said targeted marketing had driven a 6.8% year-over-year increase in restaurant spending so far this year. Brown asked commissioners to attend a bureau open house and outlined efforts to work with local businesses and event organizers to attract conventions and sporting events.

Brown closed by offering to share slide materials with staff and invited the commission to upcoming promotional events.