Chef Pat Mould Discusses Louisiana Tourism

Tourism officials and business leaders gathered in Baton Rouge this week to get an update from the Lt. Governor's Office of Cultural Recreation and Tourism on the status of tourism in the State of Louisiana, according to Chef Pat Mould.

Twenty-six point three million domestic and international travelers visited Louisiana in 2012 for an economic impact of $10.7 billion, Mould said during his weekly "New Junkies Cafe" segment. Welcome Centers -- which Mould said "play a major role in getting the messaging out" -- reported 1.2 million visits.

A problem is arising, however, in how the money from the tourism budget is being spent, Mould said. According to Mould, a certain percentage of that budget is required to be spent on tourism efforts outside the state, but Gov. Bobby Jindal has increasingly dipped into the fund to help pay for tourism-related events inside the state.

Some of these events are pretty big events, in my mind, should be able to stand on their own financially. I don't mind them getting some support...but don't do it at the expense of other tourism entities.

To listen to the complete interview with Chef Pat Mould, click on the 'Play' button below.