Reality shows boosting tourism in Atchafalaya Basin

The Atchafalaya Basin offers an array of tourism opportunities and outdoor activities, including swamp tours, and state and local tourism officials are capitalizing on Louisiana’s recent TV fame by attracting more visitors to the area. “There is no question there is an uptick in interest across the country in the Atchafalaya Basin because of these reality shows, including Swamp People,” Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who is in charge of promoting tourism in Louisiana, tells The (Lafayette) Advertiser. “There is an interest and fascination in the beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin and the characters they show on TV.” Ben Berthelot, executive director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, agrees with Dardenne’s assessment. “In speaking to some of our members and attractions, they have seen an increase in the buzz and curiosity because of things like Swamp People,” Berthelot says. “They feel like it’s becoming more popular than it was, specifically anything with alligators.” While people’s opinions vary on how cable television portrays Louisiana, most experts agree the publicity has a positive effect on the state’s economy. Read the full story here.