TOURISM DURING PANDEMIC

As the weather gets warmer and more people get vaccinated...many are eager to get back out doors and attend some of louisian's famous festivals and tourist attractions... i know i am, taylor.news fiftee's kenny darr spoke with lieutenant governor billy nungesser on the stat's plans for reviving a tourism industry tha's reeling from the pandemic.

Stand-up: one of louisian's biggest money makers is its robust tourism industry...which has taken a major hit during the pandemic... but state officials and local businesses are optimistic about the future.vo: champagn's swamp tours saw a decline in business at the start of the covid-19 pandemic.

Pam fontenot says one year later...the're eager to give tourist a unique experience they ca't get anywhere else.

Sot: they do't have the swamps, they do't have the bayous, they do't have the cypress trees and the wildlife tha's out here, they do't see that where the're from.

Vo: louisiana lost four point nine billion dollars in travel spending due to covid-19 but lieutenant governor billy nungesser says h's hopeful that the tourism industry will make a comeback.

Sot: we had our best year ever at state parks because you stayed three nights, you got the fourth night free and we continue to do that and see people moving all over louisiana.

Vo: he says the stat's tourism industry is competing with other states that are completely open.

H's continuing to push forward and attract more people to visit louisiana.sot: 'm hoping that in the next few weeks, instead of months, that we can open this thing up a lot more so those large outdoor events that bring people from all over the world to louisiana, we can start to at least have plans and see light at the end of the tunnel.

Vo: i's a hope that fontenot shares.

Sot: it happens, you get over it, you get past it and you move on.

I really believe people believe the same thing we believe so i's going to be okay.tag: reporting in st.

Martin parish...kenny darr...news fifteen.

Nungesser says h'll be meeting with governor edwards tomorrow to further discuss plans for attracting more event organizaers and