Tourism Remains a Strong Economic Driver for Ruston & Lincoln Parish

In 2024, tourism continued to play a vital role in economic impact, quality of life, and community development for Ruston & Lincoln Parish. Key indicators point to a healthy and growing visitor economy.

Between the Ruston Sports Complex, Louisiana Tech University, and Grambling State University, 285 youth and collegiate sporting events were hosted in Lincoln Parish in 2024. Outside of city limits, the North Louisiana Exhibition Center welcomed events 46 weekends out of the year, while Lincoln Parish Park saw more than 80,000 visits. Additionally, 16 visiting conferences and meetings were held locally.

The Louisiana Peach Festival also saw a record-breaking year. In 2024, the single-day event drew 27,000+ attendees from all over the region and provided more than $1.6 million dollars of economic impact to the area, according to the Louisiana Tech Center for Economic Research.

Data shows that 69.5% of 2024’s visitors were repeat visitors, and 50.9% of all visitors were from out-of-state. On average, overnight guests stayed 2.3 days in the destination, with March through May emerging as peak months. In addition, the parish saw a 2.2% increase in lodging tax revenue over the previous year.

“Our tourism sector continues to show impressive growth and impact,” said Amanda Carrier, President & CEO of Experience Ruston. “These numbers reflect the strength of our partnerships, the quality of our attractions, and the power of our community to deliver an exceptional visitor experience.”

In 2024, Experience Ruston awarded $385,000 in grants and sports tourism support, with more than $247,000 allocated to destination development projects at local attractions. These efforts align with the organization’s mission to grow Ruston and Lincoln Parish through tourism promotion and community connection.

The economic impact of tourism extends well beyond visitation. It fuels local spending, supports jobs, and helps fund public services through generated tax revenue. Local events, attractions, and businesses benefit directly, while residents enjoy enhanced quality of life through increased amenities and community vibrancy.

“As we celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, we want to thank everyone who contributes to our area’s success — from event organizers and hospitality workers to community leaders and small business owners,” said Carrier. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant Ruston & Lincoln Parish.”

For more information on tourism in Lincoln Parish or to learn about local attractions, visit www.experienceruston.com.

About the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau