Lafayette Tourism Improvement District Advisory Committee
The Lafayette Tourism Improvement District Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission Board of Commissioners on issues related to the Lafayette Tourism Improvement District. The Lafayette Tourism Improvement District (LTID) is a public-private partnership created to strengthen and grow Lafayette Parish’s tourism economy. Formed in 2023 with overwhelming support from local hotels, the LTID uses a small, self-imposed lodging assessment, not a tax, to generate dedicated funding for tourism-enhancing projects. This industry-led effort is designed to drive overnight stays, support local businesses and long-term economic growth, and and enhance the overall visitor experience in Lafayette.
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A Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is a public-private partnership that allows local businesses, primarily hotels and motels, to pool resources through a small self-imposed assessment. The funds collected can be used in efforts that increase tourism and overnight stays.
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Yes, in August of 2023, after receiving petitions from more than 67% of hotels in Lafayette Parish, the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission voted to form the Lafayette Tourism Improvement District (LTID) to secure stable, dedicated funding to build a 150,000-square-foot indoor sports complex appraised at $35-$40 million, potentially resulting in an additional 140,000 visitors and 30,000 additional hotel room stays for the parish annually.
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Funding comes from a small assessment, not a tax, typically based on a percentage of room revenue. The agreed-upon 2% assessment on gross lodging room rental revenue for the Lafayette Tourism Improvement District (LTID) is paid by the visitor and remitted by the lodging business, just as occupancy taxes are handled. Collections began in January of 2025 and are expected to generate $2 million in year one, with growth expected as the tourism economy grows.
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The funds generated from the Lafayette Tourism Improvement District (LTID) will be used to build a 150,000-square-foot indoor sports complex, appraised at $35-$40 million, which could potentially attract an additional 140,000 visitors and result in 30,000 additional hotel room stays for the parish each year.
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No. A TBID is not a tax. It is a self-imposed, industry-led funding mechanism for tourism. Hotels collaborate to support the district, with funds reinvested directly into tourism growth.
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The LTID funds are managed by LCVC with oversight by the LCVC Board of Commissioners. The Lafayette Tourism Improvement District Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the LCVC Board of Commissioners on issues related to the LTID, and is comprised of seven (7) individuals:
- Four (4) members appointed by the Acadiana Hotel/Motel Lodging Association, one of which shall be a member of the Board of Commissioners of the LCVC appointed by the Acadiana Hotel/Motel Lodging Association.
- Two (2) members appointed by the Board of Commissioners of LCVC.
- The President & CEO of the LCVC, ex officio, who shall have the same voting powers as other members of the Board.
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Ben Berthelot
President & CEO, LCVC
Jim Doré
LCVC Board Member
Chris Alack
LCVC Board Member
Ricky Patel
Hotel/Lodging Appointee to LCVC Board
Henil Patel
Hotel-Lodging Appointee
Neal Patel
Hotel-Lodging Appointee
Anil Patel
Hotel-Lodging Appointee
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More than 200 destinations across the U.S. have adopted TBIDs, including in California, Virginia, Louisiana, and Colorado. Many report significant increases in tourism spending, hotel occupancy, and tax revenues.
Lafayette Tourism Improvement District Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
