Lafayette Travel has been named a 2026–2027 Travel South USA Global Champion Destination for its continued commitment to growing international visitation to the area and the Southern United States. The designation is awarded to destinations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to international tourism through active participation in Travel South USA programs, partnerships, cooperative marketing initiatives, sponsorships and strategic investments. Global Champion Destinations are organizations whose annual participation in Travel South USA activations, cooperative marketing programs, sponsorships and in-kind contributions totals $40,000 or more.
“International visitors bring significant economic and cultural value to our area, and growing that visitation is an important part of our long-term tourism strategy,” said Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Travel. “Our partnership with Travel South USA gives us the resources and relationships to reach these travelers and introduce more people around the world to Lafayette Parish and the region. We are honored to receive this designation.”
As a Global Champion Destination, Lafayette Travel will receive recognition throughout the year at Travel South USA’s premier industry events, including International Showcase and Global Week, as well as recognition on the Travel South USA website and the ability to use the official Global Champion Destination logo in its marketing materials and on its website.
The designation also provides Lafayette Travel with access to International Profile Deeper Dive Reports and Trade Landscape Reports for Travel South USA’s Global Network Program markets, supporting the organization’s efforts to better understand and reach international travelers.
Lafayette Travel will be formally recognized during Travel South USA’s Honors Night Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m.
About Travel South USA
Travel South USA is the official regional destination marketing organization for the 13 Southern states. It works to increase international visitation to the region through global marketing, trade development and industry partnerships. For more information, visit industry.travelsouthusa.com/global-champion-destinations/.