LAPLACE – The River Parishes Tourist Commission launched a survey focused on the River Parishes as a destination, inviting members of the community to participate and share with coworkers throughout the region. The survey is the first phase of a strategic planning process for the Commission.

The assessment takes the form of a 360-degree survey of tourism, business, education, and government stakeholders impacted by the River Parishes Tourist Commission’s ability to attract and inspire visitors to our city. The results of the survey will essentially be a report card for the health and benchmarking of the River Parishes as a destination.

The survey, which covers topics ranging from the region’s brand, accommodations, arts and culture, events, transportation, conventions, attractions and entertainment, film, water access, and overall destination performance, will be closed for participation on August 30. At that time, the survey results will be compiled and announced at the River Parishes Tourist Commission’s Annual Summit on Tourism in September.

Executive Director Buddy Boe said the Tourist Commission has worked toward this project for many months.

“…The more community engagement we get from the survey, the better the resulting strategic plan will be,” Boe said. “We want the region to be honest so we can improve the visitor experience throughout the destination.”

After the survey results are announced at the RPTC Tourism Summit, the strategic planning process will use the results as the foundational starting point to guide the discussion and ultimately the plan that is crafted, RiverRegion2030. The RiverRegion2030 plan will be a 10-year plan that will be updated every five years to maintain the region’s strategic advantage as a premier destination.

“I hope members throughout the community participate and provide their input on the strengths and weaknesses of the region to better inform our strategic planning process,” said Peggy Joseph, chair of the River Parishes Tourist Commission.

The commission recently authorized Executive Director Buddy Boe to release two requests for proposals (RFP), for a strategic planning process and brand analysis and another for marketing services. The RFPs will go out later this summer and be awarded in the fall.

The link to the survey can be found at sgiz.mobi/s3/DestinationNEXT-River-Parishes.