River Parishes Tourist hosting virtual events for National Travel and Tourism week

Published 9:24 am Monday, May 4, 2020

NEW ORLEANS – The River Parishes Tourist Commission (RPTC) is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9, with Streamin’ On The River, its first-ever virtual vacation event for citizens and visitors of the River Region. The weeklong event will highlight the vibrant sounds, flavors and culture of the River Region in several components, including River Rhythms, Taste of the River Parishes, River Reel videos, and Virtual River Region tours. National Tourism and Travel Week also coincide with this year’s Economic Development Week, May 4-9. Both Economic Development Week and National Travel and Tourism Week will encourage communities to support businesses and highlight the great work of small business owners throughout the River Region.

“The River Region remains committed to welcoming visitors as soon as it’s safe to travel. The COVID-19 crisis has deeply impacted our industry, and we know that our citizens and small businesses are hurting, so we wanted to give both locals and visitors alike a first-class experience in visiting the River Region from the comforts of their own home,” said Buddy Boe, Executive Director of the RPTC. “In the River Parishes, the tourism and hospitality industry is a huge part of our local economy. We remain committed to increasing visibility of the region during this unprecedented time and welcoming visitors to our beloved area when it is safe to resume travel.”

The virtual week will consist of video content from various attractions, restaurants and musicians. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and RPTC Executive Director Buddy Boe will participate in a virtual discussion highlighting the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.  The River Region’s best music, food, and attractions will all be accessible with a web connection. Streamin’ on the River will feature cooking demos and one-of-a-kind recipes, tours of the region’s various attractions, performances by local artists, and a daily video from the River Reel video series.

“The River Parishes is an essential part of our state’s tourism economy, offering a genuine glimpse into an authentic Louisiana experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  “Events like Streamin’ On The River allow us to amplify our culture and traditions on a virtual stage.”

The many joys of the region can be indulged during Tourism Week from the comfort of one’s home at www.StreaminOnTheRiver.com with the following schedule, kicking off at 4 p.m. every day:

Monday, May 4

Virtual River Region – Destrehan Plantation

Taste the River Parishes – ZoraChistina’s Catering

River Rhythms – San Francisco Plantation

River Reel –  The Church That Persevered

Tuesday, May 5

Virtual River Region – Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

Taste the River Parishes – Spuddy’s Cajun Foods

River Rhythms – Creole House Band

River Reel – Architectural Gumbo

Wednesday, May 6

Virtual River Region – United Front Transportation, Q Hotels, Laura Plantation

Taste the River Parishes – The Seafood Pot

River Rhythms – St. John Theatre

River Reel – A Journey Into the Swamps

Thursday, May 7

Virtual River Region – St. Joseph Plantation

Taste the River Parishes – Houmas House

River Rhythms – 1811/Kid Ory Historic House

River Reel – Bonfires on the Levee

Friday, May 8

Virtual River Region – Oak Alley Plantation

Taste the River Parishes – Petra’s

River Rhythms –  Lafon Performing Arts Center

River Reel – Sugarcane: A Brief History, Catfish Capital of the Universe

TravelAwaits – Discussion with Lt Governor Billy Nungesser and RPTC Executive Director Buddy Boe

Saturday, May 9

Virtual River Region – Belle Terre Country Club

Taste the River Parishes – Coffee & Norco Café Crevasse

River Rhythms – Sings And Strings Festival

River Reel – The Legend of the Cajun Werewolf, The River Will Rise

Editor’s note : Video of past events are available on the River Parish Tourism website.