The Power of Tourism in Monroe-West Monnroe

There’s a lot to be proud of in Ouachita Parish – and in 2024, the numbers speak for themselves. With a total economic impact of $30.11 million (and still climbing!), tourism is proving to be a major driver for our local economy and quality of life.

Over the past year, we’ve hosted 191 events across Monroe and West Monroe. From large-scale sporting tournaments to community festivals and cultural celebrations, visitors are showing up—and they’re spending. The average visitor dropped $199 per day, with 16% going to our restaurants and 15% into our local shops. That’s a win for small businesses and a big reason why we do what we do.

Our four main facility investments continue to pay off in a big way. Sterlington Sports Complex generated $3.63 million, the Ike Hamilton Expo Center $5.75 million, West Monroe Sports & Events $2.67 million, and the Ouachita Sportsplex $3.84 million in economic impact.

And when it comes to big events, we’re punching well above our weight. In 2024, we welcomed everything from the USA Table Tennis Olympic Trials to the All-American Brahman Jr. Show. Here’s a snapshot of just a few high-impact events:

NJCAA DI Track & Field Championships – $1.13M

Live Original Tour – $997K

All-American Brahman Jr. Show – $778K

USA Table Tennis Olympic Trials – $577K

NXTPRO Sports – $534K

Dixie Softball World Series – $424K

“We are proud of our area and believe our service, people, experiences, and efforts showcase all there is to discover in Monroe-West Monroe.” Alana Cooper, President/CEO.

Beyond events, our marketing and storytelling efforts helped keep Monroe-West Monroe top of mind. We had nearly 800,000 website visits, 388,000+ social media engagements, and almost 775,000 video views across our platforms. That kind of reach translates to real impact – with 928 media mentions valued at more than $37 million in advertising dollars.

We also kept the press and our partners in the loop with 72 press releases, 74 newsletters, and 107 content articles – sharing stories that matter and showing people all there is to discover here.

And perhaps the biggest cherry on top: we were named the 2024 CVB of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association.

Tourism is more than numbers – it’s about connection, community, and sharing what makes this place special. And in 2024, that impact was felt across every corner of Ouachita Parish.