Louisiana focusing attention on cultural tourism

NEW ORLEANS -- As the second anniversaries of two major hurricanes approach, Louisiana tourism officials plan an August forum of tourism officials from around the world -- capping what will be a monthlong effort to shift attention from lingering devastation to thriving cultural events that are important to the recovery.

"We're trying to make the entire state a cultural mecca," Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said in a telephone interview.

Katrina struck southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi on Aug. 29, 2005. Rita hit southwestern Louisiana and Texas almost a month later.

A 10-day World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans, Aug. 16-26, will bring together culture and tourism officials from more than a dozen countries.

Events in August around Louisiana of potential interest to tourists include Satchmo Summerfest in New Orleans, Aug. 2-5, a musical celebration honoring Louis Armstrong; the Festival of Riches Square Dance Festival in New Iberia, Aug. 10-11; the Shrimp Festival in Delcambre, Aug. 15-19; and through Aug. 19, EatLafayette in Lafayette, a celebration of Cajun cooking and mom-and-pop restaurants in Lafayette, www.eatlafayette.com.