During a recent visit to Ireland, Jennifer Berthelot, Director of Communications for Explore Louisiana, shared her optimism about the state’s tourism recovery and the unique experiences awaiting Irish travellers.
“Visitation has been steadily climbing since the pandemic,” Berthelot said. “While we’ve not quite returned to 2019 levels, the upward trend is encouraging.”
One boost for Irish travellers is the new Aer Lingus direct flight to Nashville, a gateway to the Deep South. The popular itinerary from Tennessee through Mississippi into New Orleans offers a seamless route into the heart of Louisiana. “It’s a great opportunity to tie into our Deep South experience,” she added.
Louisiana’s current campaign, Find Your Louisiana, invites visitors to discover what “feeds their soul”—whether through outdoor adventure, birding, food, or music.
From exploring America’s largest freshwater swamp to dancing to Cajun and jazz beats, Louisiana delivers sensory-rich experiences at every turn. “Our culture is layered, our food is world-renowned, and our music is second to none,” said Berthelot. 2025 marks the Year of Food in Louisiana, a culinary celebration highlighting the state’s rich mix of Creole, Cajun, and international influences.
Festivals are a key feature of this promotional focus: Louisiana hosts over 400 festivals annually, with autumn as peak season. Highlights include The Festival International in Lafayette, Festival Acadiens et Créoles, and a variety of food-themed events celebrating everything from gumbo to oysters.
Road trips remain a popular way to explore, with 17 scenic byways, including two federally designated All-American Roads: the Creole Nature Trail and the Great River Road, which winds 770 miles along the Mississippi River.
For inspiration and planning, travellers are encouraged to follow Explore Louisiana on Facebook and Instagram, where they’ll find ideas to create a journey that’s as soulful as the state itself.
Explore Louisiana, website: https://www.explorelouisiana.com
