Having freed himself of the stress that comes with campaigning for governor, Billy Nungesser is heading for what will likely be another four years of what I regard as the most desirable job in politics, being a Lieutenant Governor.
It is a prestigious position but far less stressful than being governor, plus some states, such as Louisiana, use the position as a good will ambassador, especially when selling tourism. It means more when a Lt. Gov. visits a place to pitch his state than if some ordinary P.R. pitchman would arrive. (Plus, a Lt. Gov. wakes up each morning knowing that it is possible that by the end of the day he or she may be governor. Extra prestige but less fun.)
At a time when gubernatorial candidates might be out hustling by campaigning from Abbeville to Zwolie, Nungesser recently returned from an official trip to New Zealand and Australia, hoping to sell Louisiana abroad.
For the people of those countries Louisiana is not an easy sell, but then no other place on earth is either. Everywhere is far away – and, in the case of Australia, that includes the other side of their island.
I interviewed Nungesser recently for our "Louisiana Insider" podcast and asked him how to sell tourism down under. Something he learned is that Aussies, when they travel, often rent cars at their destination so they can maximize the experience. (Someone might fly in and out of New Orleans and drive across the Gulf Coast and into Florida. If they have the time and money, they could also take a cruise.)
For selling long range tourism, a good approach for marketers is to develop travel packages that include vehicle rentals and bookings at area destinations.
Airlines are always an issue when the topic is international travel. We still suffer from a lack of non-stop flights other than British Airlines seasonal schedule and a few short hops, also seasonal, to the Caribbean.
Nungesser explained that the problem our market has with getting the lasting international non-stop service is that while we are a great vacation destination, there are not enough business travelers filling the higher priced seats. Louisiana may be regarded as first class in lovability but not always as a corporate destination.
First class is also a political issue.
Coming from the land of LaToya Cantrell, Nungesser found himself under extra scrutiny from passengers. State law allows for business class when traveling international. For going to and from Australia, anyone, including Nungesser, would naturally want to fly first class if they could. The Lt. Gov. was emphatic that he paid the difference personally. Nevertheless, on some flights, Nungesser, who was recognized by fellow Louisianans was teased, mostly good natured, about his flight status. The Lt. Gov. assured each of the inquiring passengers that he was paying his way. An amused flight attendant offered to help and also vouched for the travel arrangements.
For international travelers who do make the trip here, what is it that they like most about Louisiana? Nungesser was quick with his response. “The people.” Those who come here always comment on how friendly the locals are.
Was the Australian trip money well spent? Nungesser says it was. Truth is, now it is up to us. If in the future we are asked for instructions by Australians in an SUV, try to be extra friendly.
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