LOUISIANA TOURISM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

For over a decade, the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA) has provided a unique continuing education and leadership training program for Louisiana’s travel and tourism industry. LTLA offers students the opportunity to meet and learn from seasoned professionals, as well as up-and-coming talents.

Interested in getting involved? For more information on LTLA, see the links below:

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

If you have thought about becoming more involved in the Louisiana travel industry or if you want to better understand how tourism functions from a local to statewide perspective, then the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy is the choice you need to make for your training and educational needs.
You will learn true leadership skills and traits and how to apply these skills to become more proficient in your job. You will gain an understanding of your role in advocacy efforts and the governmental issues that affect the tourism industry. You will learn all aspects of product development, from the making of a plan to the funding, execution and marketing of that plan. You will also discover skills to successfully network within the industry.
Through six class sessions and a group project, the program focuses on leadership, productivity, vision, networking and gaining a better understanding of their role in statewide issues.

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ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION

Key candidates for LTLA participation are those who are in management positions of tourism-related businesses. Participants are selected in an objective process and must be recommended and sponsored by their employers, generally by upper management. Self-employed persons may sponsor themselves. Candidates will be sought who have high energy and a passion for the Louisiana tourism industry. They should be articulate, available to commit and demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills and put them into action.
Participants will be required to attend all the sessions to graduate (unless the absence is excused by the LTLA organizers). Candidates are selected exclusively on their own merits.
Application Deadline & Submissions: All applications must be received no later than December 2, 2025. Email to laine@louisianatravelassociation.org

Tuition:
$1695 for LTA members and $2000 for non-LTA members, which would include the one year course (covers class
materials, lunch for six sessions and invitation to a final celebration event).

Selection:
The applicant will be notified of acceptance no later than, December 16, 2025. For more information or questions, contact Laine Garner, laine@louisianatravelassociation.org

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SCHEDULE

For LTLA Class schedule click here.

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GROUP PROJECTS

In an effort to give back to Louisiana’s travel industry while also putting students’ skills to work, LTLA students are divided into teams and assigned a pro-bono tourism project. These group projects focus on product development and marketing, and give students the opportunity to select a “client” from within the LTA membership.

The sixth and final class session is a culmination of the year’s work, with each group presenting their project to the LTA Board of Directors.

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LTLA ALUMNI

Click Here

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TESTIMONIALS

“LTLA was invaluable to me. It was wonderful developing personal relationships with so many of my colleagues in the tourism industry and sharing ideas, initiatives, and perspectives.”

Christina Cooper, VP Communications, Marketing and PR

St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission

“The Louisiana Travel Leadership Academy taught me needed tools to help me on my journey to become an effective leader. It also afforded me the opportunity to gain in-depth experiences and knowledge that elevated my passion and excitement for the tourism industry!”

Megan Ryburn, Executive Officer

Louisiana Office of Tourism

“LTLA one of the best careers moves I have made to date! Not only enjoyable but an invaluable learning experience about tourism. We visited Monroe at the top through New Orleans at the bottom (geographically) seeing the sites learning from tourism leaders in that community. LTLA is well respected and connected throughout the entire state by those in government and the tourism industry. The classes were in unique settings that enhance the learning experience and you felt like you had a seat at the table and doors mentality and physically were being opened. Truly grateful to be an LTLA Alumni, further enriched with knowledge on showcasing this wonderful place we call home, Louisiana!”

Rita Perrilloux

Owner, Historic Riverlands Tour

“They say variety is the spice of life. The same holds true for the LTLA program. We visited various locations in Louisiana while learning how our diversity can be our greatest strength. One of my favorite aspects of the class was the diversity. Diversity not only in programming, but in the makeup of the class. The students were all different ages, from different areas of the state, and played different roles in their respective businesses. We were challenged to step outside our comfort zones and learn from each other to become more well-rounded employees. I personally gained many new, great friends who I treasure dearly. After working 17 years in the industry, this program opened my eyes and rejuvenated my love for all things Tangipahoa and Louisiana Tourism! “