Frequently Asked Questions About Visit Lake Charles

The staff members at Visit Lake Charles (also known as the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB) are passionate about enticing people to visit and bring business to our corner of the state. We work diligently to showcase the best of what Southwest Louisiana has to offer visitors, groups, and media professionals. Hospitality and customer service are at the core of every experience.

What is a CVB/DMO?

In the travel realm, CVB stands for Convention and Visitors Bureau. Organizations that represent a region's tourism industry can also be known by names such as DMO which means Destination Marketing Organization or Tourism Board or Tourism Authority. 

WHAT IS THE MISSION?

To advocate for the tourism industry an promote Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana as a dynamic destination serving our visitors and community.

WHO DOES THE CVB REPRESENT?

Visit Lake Charles represents Calcasieu Parish and its six cities: Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Vinton, DeQuincy, and Iowa.

HOW DOES THE CVB ATTRACT GROUP BUSINESS?

Visit Lake Charles' sales team actively pursues conventions, sporting events, tour groups, and other group business by bidding on events and offering services and information on accommodations and venues to attract visitors to Southwest Louisiana. 

HOW DOES THE CVB ATTRACT MEDIA COVERAGE?

In addition to promotions, the bureau's communications department also works to bring media professionals to Southwest Louisiana to spread the word in publications, blogs, broadcast, and other media. Visit Lake Charles enhances the local economy by enticing people outside the area to stay, play and eat in Southwest Louisiana.

WHERE IS THE CVB ONLINE?

Besides VisitLakeCharles.org. You can also find the CVB active on social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and the CVB's blog. Follow #VisitLakeCharles.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The bureau is located at the foot of the I-10 bridge at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601, on the shores of Lake Charles. The bureau has information on each parish in the state of Louisiana as well as maps and other helpful materials. The bureau is a state certified welcome center, and the knowledgeable staff of the Tourist Information Department is ready to answer questions that visitors may have about the area, state or getting from point A to point B. Visitors can stop in, pick up materials, grab a cup of coffee and browse the gift shop. There is also an alligator pond nearby for people who want to get a quick look at the American alligator.

In Sulphur, Louisiana, Visit Lake Charles manages the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. The Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point brings to life many of the intrinsic qualities that make this area a unique destination. People who experience the exhibit displays will walk away with a vivid understanding of the wildlife and landscape along the Creole Nature Trail as well as our culture and way of life in Southwest Louisiana. Adventure Point is located at 2740 Ruth Street in Sulphur, LA, just south of Exit 20 on Interstate 10.

SALES DEPARTMENT

The bureau's Sales Department secures group business for sporting events, conventions, meetings, tour groups, reunions, and events. The Sales Department can help with arrangements and services such as step on guides for the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road or the Charpentier Historic District, upon ample notice and group size. The department can also provide ditty bags, giveaways and special performances by the Mardi Gras Revelers, Gumbeaux Gator or Contraband Buccaneers for planned events or help with registration or promotional mailings for large groups.

MARKETING DEPARTMENT

The Marketing Department are dedicated to getting the word out about happenings in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana. The marketing department handles printed materials such as brochures, advertising, writing of stories and press releases, photography, social media, internet marketing and management of www.visitlakecharles.org. In addition, the department hosts media professionals and oversees special projects, the film industry in Southwest Louisiana and public relations efforts put forth by the bureau.