Tourism in the Baton Rouge area rose in 2011 and officials hope the return of riverboats and other attractions will make for an even stronger 2012.
The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/xcDkPJ) that the number of area hotel rooms increased by 3.6 percent in 2011 with the opening of the Indigo and Renaissance hotels as well as other properties.
Occupancy rates were also up, said Renee Areng, vice president at Visit Baton Rouge, the local convention and visitors bureau.
Hotel revenue rose 6 percent in 2011, with nearly 94,000 rooms booked, according to visitor center statistics.
Culture, shopping and cuisine are the leading reasons visitors come to Baton Rouge, officials said.
In addition to the return of paddle-wheelers like the American Queen, Baton Rouge will be the home for smaller vessels like the Grand Caribe operated by Blount Small Ship Adventures and other overnight river excursions through USA River Cruises.
"They will create tours downtown and all over the metropolitan area," said Areng, who said this will be the first return of river cruises since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
Other tourism draws in 2012 are expected to include the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, set for Feb. 11 to July 9. The bowling event will attract about 100,000 people over a course of 150 days, most of them staying in area hotels.
"They come from all over, and the majority of them drive," Areng said. "The majority of them will shop, will game, will dine and will golf."
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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com
