Survey says state benefits from tax-free shopping program

A new report says the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping program, which encourages international visitation by refunding some sales taxes, netted the state almost $2.7 million in tax revenue on the fiscal year. An October survey of the program found the total economic impact produced by the program to be $73.7 million in 2011. Administered by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the program refunds state sales taxes—and sometimes local sales taxes—to international visitors at participating retail locations. The Louisiana Office of Tourism and the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center measured the impact of the program on visitors’ spending habits and the increased transactions’ impact on the state throughout the 2010-11 fiscal year. The purpose of the survey was to create a picture of the typical Louisiana tourist in order to develop better marketing strategies. The survey found 63% of visitors were satisfied with the program and 38% consider the program to be a major reason to return to Louisiana. Almost two-thirds say they would recommend the program to friends interested in visiting Louisiana. More details on the program and the entire study of it can be found at LouisianaTaxFree.com.