Disclaimer
This section of Natchitoches.NET is provided purely for informational purposes regarding the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission. The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission is not associated with this website and does NOT fund, does NOT endorse, and does NOT promote the website Natchitoches.NET in any way. This website is published and produced by Grimm Productions, LLC.
Mission
The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission is supposed to provide leadership in initiating and coordinating the worldwide market of Natchitoches Parish as a highly desirable vacation and meeting destination; to solicit and service meeting and other group-related business; and to engage in visitor promotions which generate overnight stays in Natchitoches Parish, thereby enhancing and developing the economic fabric of the community.
Location
The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission operates the Natchitoches Visitor’s Information Center and is located at 780 Front Street, Suite 100, in the downtown historic district.
Purpose
The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission is supposed to promote the development and growth of the convention and visitors industry in Natchitoches Parish by increasing the number of people from outside Natchitoches Parish who come here for conventions, conferences and meetings, programs and events. In Natchitoches Area there are: 68 lodging facilities, over 28 restaurants, and Northwestern State University. The main attractions are: Cane River National Heritage Area; Cane River Creole National Historical Park; Fort St. Jean Baptiste; Melrose Plantation; Landmark Historic District. Numerous area festivals are held throughout the parish and along the downtown riverbank of Cane River Lake: Natchitoches Christmas Festival, Meat Pie Festival, Jazz/R&B Festival and more. Natchitoches has an active Main Street Program and was named a Preserve America Community in 2004 and one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations by National Trust in 2005.
History
Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission started as a committee of the Chamber of Commerce in the mid-70s. From 1978 to 1995 the NPTC was operated as a division of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1995, the NPTC was incorporated as an independent organization. In 1998 the Visitors Center was opened to the public. Funding comes from a Natchitoches Parish Tourism Occupancy Tax. Additional explanation of the tax can be found under the finance and administration section. On January 1, 2013, the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury form of government was replaced by the Home Rule Charter system. The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission was placed under the direction and control of the Natchitoches Parish Government office and newly elected Parish President Rick Nowlin.
Board Meetings
The Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission are scheduled to meet each third Tuesday of every month, at 5:15 in the Natchitoches Visitor’s Information Center located at 780 Front Street, Suite 100, in the downtown historic district of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Board Members
 The Natchitoches Parish President appoints members for a 3-year term. All elected office terms are for a one-year term. |
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| Mary Ann Nunley | COMMISSIONER 02-13-13 / 02-13-16 Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, City of Natchitoches Mayor’s Office |
| Brenda LaCour | COMMISSIONER 06-19-2013 / 06-19-2016 St. Augustine Historical Society |
| J Michael Kenny | COMMISSIONER 06-18-2012 / 06-18-2015 HDBA, Local Small Business Owner |
| Eddie Harrington | CHAIRMAN 10-15-2012 / 10-15-2015 Natchitoches Jazz Festival, Bankruptcy Law Attorney |
| Kim Isbell | TREASURER 10-18-2011 / 10-18-2014 Marthaville Heritage Society, Local Small Business Owner |