"There's nothing to do here." You hear it all the time. Well, if you were a tourist, you'd discover a world of things to do in SWLA and most of them are very family oriented and free!

May 5th, starts National Tourism Week and the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor's Bureau suggest that you see our area as a tourist!

The CVB has a great line-up of events to celebrate tourism.  Make plans to take part in the celebration!

National Tourism Week!

Across the United States, tourism entities dedicated May 5-13, 2012, to celebrating what tourism contributes to local economies because Tourism is Big Business! For the CVB on social networks, check out www.visitlakecharles.org/social and get connected!

What Does Tourism Do for You?
Tourism puts $510 into the pockets of every Louisiana taxpayer each year. It also brought in a cool $339 million to Calcasieu Parish in 2011.

What Does A CVB Do?
Find out what a convention & visitors bureau (CVB) does to promote tourism.

We're Game to Celebrate at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive!
Every day is a reason to celebrate! All week during National Tourism Week, May 5-13, we'll have cake and special activities going on, so stop by and see us!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!
Saturday, May 5, Children's Day:
Join us for Children's Day, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., when the whole CVB will be filled with great activities to do with your kids. Gumbeaux Gator will also be making a guest appearance! 

Tuesday, May 8, Restaurant Day:
We will showcase area restaurants, and you can come and sample delicious cuisine! Come to the Lake Charles Civic Center from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a variety of the area's finest foods!

If your restaurant is interested in participating in Restaurant Day, click HERE to learn more!

Wednesday, May 9, Hospitality Training
The mission of the "Game On" Hospitality Ambassador Program is to increase awareness of the attractions and tourism products in Calcasieu Parish in an effort to make visitors feel welcome at every turn! Group trainings for all members of the hospitality industry are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Click here to learn more!

Friday, May 12, Volunteer Day:
If you're a volunteer in Southwest Louisiana, stop by the CVB from 1-3 p.m. for a special reception just for you! We love our volunteers that help us from day to day, and we'd like to recognize those who also help our area businesses and organizations.

Get in the Game! - e-NEWS!
If you'd like to be kept "in the loop" on the most current events, sign up to receive The Game Plan, an e-newsletter that goes out every two weeks and showcases local events. Click here to sign up.