Office of Tourism Update

Despite the devastating perceptions, Louisiana continues to offer visitors the same incredible experiences they have enjoyed for decades. From world-acclaimed indigenous food and music to unique culture and picturesque outdoors, the Pelican State offers abundant opportunities for a variety of interests.

While a majority of the state was unaffected by the spill, the Louisiana Office of Tourism is working closely with state, federal and private entities to ensure an efficient cleanup and recovery of the southeast coast.

A successful “static kill” approach sealed the leak with the cement. While this seal assures oil will not leak into the Gulf, the permanent solution will be the relief well that is expected to be finished after Labor Day.

A government assessment found that about 75 percent of the oil has been captured, burned off, evaporated or broken down by natural forces in the Gulf of Mexico.

None the less, false perceptions regarding Louisiana and our seafood persist.Restaurants in Louisiana, and across the country, continue to serve delicious Gulf seafood. From the boat to the kitchen, the seafood quality is carefully monitored on its journey to the plate.

Recreational and commercial fishing is largely unaffected across the state. Although Louisiana does not typically attract sun bathers, many of our public beaches in Cameron Parish are unaffected and open for fishing and recreation.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has lifted a ban on recreational sports fishing, and on Aug. 27, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened more than 4,000 square miles of waters to commercial and recreational fishing off of Louisiana’s western coast. Less than 48,000 square miles of federal waters in the Gulf, about 20 percent, remain closed to commercial and recreational fishing. The ban was lifted in areas after extensive testing proved the fish were of superior quality.

Official information is being posted by the response team (U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Homeland Security, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, BP and Transocean) and updated several times each day at http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and http://response.restoration.noaa.gov.

You can also find up-to-date information, along with links to other resources such as volunteer opportunities, at http://emergency.louisiana.gov.

Please return to this page frequently as new information will be provided here as soon as it becomes available to the Office of Tourism.

Visitors with concerns about plans to travel in Louisiana are encouraged to contact their destinations directly. Information is also available from local convention and visitors bureaus.

• Cameron Parish tourist information – 800-456-7952
• Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau – 888-942-3742
• Jefferson Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau – 877-572-7474
• Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission – 877-537-5800
• New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau – 800-672-6124
• Plaquemines Parish Department of Economic Development and Tourism – 888-745-0642
• St. Bernard Parish Tourist Commission – 888-278-2054
• St. Mary Parish/Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau – 800-256-2931
• Terrebonne Parish/Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau – 800-688-2732
• Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission – 337-898-6600