Canadians and Louisianians are very similar, believes the state’s Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, which is why, he says, folks from the two places get along so well when Canadians come to visit. And that’s a lot of Canadians – 40 percent of all international visitors to the southern state come from this country.
“Canadians are so friendly and hospitable. That’s why I love coming here,” says Nungesser, adding, “They’re just like we are.”
Nungesser was in Toronto early this week heading a Louisiana mission (including representatives from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, plus New Orleans, Plantation Country, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette) timed to coincide with the city’s Winterlicious festival, which featured “Feed Your Soul – A Louisiana Culinary Experience,” conducted by New Orleans chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll, who served dishes like Shrimp Remoulade Salad, Shrimp Etouffee, Duck and Andouille Gumbo and Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.
And while food – along with music, and culture – have long been the staples of Louisiana tourism promotion, Nungesser says he has learned that in actuality, “it all comes back to the people.”
“Visitors,” he says, “leave with a warm and fuzzy feeling and probably will have made a friend for life.”
He adds that he “can’t believe how many stories” he has heard about visitors making lifetime connections in the state after visiting. “It’s contagious!”
“We’re like your crazy aunt who loves to have a good time,” muses Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. “Maybe she drinks too much, but she tells great stories and has a good soul and a good time.”
That’s the premise behind the state’s new “Feed Your Soul” tourism tagline, which Bourgeois says ideally describes a place that combines “the rhythms of Africa, the spice of the Caribbean, and the passions of Canadians” – the latter a reference to the origins of the Acadian diaspora who were exiled from the Atlantic coast of what is now Canada and settled in Louisiana in the late 1700s.
“We’re a gumbo – a mix of many things,” says Bourgeois.
And that includes a state-wide diversity of experiences and places that transcend the tourism mecca of New Orleans – a city that is certainly not without its charms.
“I’m often asked, ‘Is Louisiana in New Orleans,” laughs Nungesser. “No, New Orleans is in Louisiana.”
Take Mardi Gras, the city’s famous and crazy carnival, which takes place on Feb. 25 this year: Nungesser points out that many cities throughout the state have their own unique versions of the celebration, and at different times. “Not everyone can afford New Orleans and not everyone wants to bring their kids to Bourbon Street,” he acknowledges.
At the same time there are over 400 festivals a year happening all over the state – from celebrations of strawberries to beignets (pastries) to alligators.
And there are plantations, swamp tours, fishing, a film trail and cruises along the Mississippi, not to mention that New Orleans is the third largest cruise port in the U.S., in addition to its status as the “home of jazz.”
“My slogan is ‘All of Louisiana,’” says Nungesser. “We are very blessed that we have so many things to do.” And you’ll probably make a friend along the way.
