Louisiana Office of Lt. Governor - Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, also called the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, or DCRT, is a state agency providing services related to the state's cultural heritage, recreational activities, tourism, and volunteering opportunities. Directed by The Office of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, the DCRT encompasses several distinctive departments and programs, each offering different services.
Among its key functioning units are the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana State Parks, Office of Cultural Development, State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana Seafood, Volunteer Louisiana, and Louisiana State Museum. All these departments contribute differently towards promoting Louisiana's culture, recreational potentials, and tourism.
The DCRT also oversees programs such as the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the Louisiana Folklife program, along with many other initiatives and services. These programs aim to advance the state's cultural heritage and recreational options through various activities and initiatives.
DCRT is also involved in disseminating facts about Louisiana, its unique cultural history, and its natural resources. For instance, it highlights that the Mississippi River drainage basin, located in Louisiana, is the fourth largest in the world, trailing only the watersheds of the Amazon, Congo, and Nile rivers. It also shares that Louisiana has more than 350 active bald eagles nests, with the majority being in St. Mary and Terrebone parishes. Furthermore, the fact that Delta Airlines evolved from a crop dusting operation in Monroe, Louisiana, is revealed through their platform.
Apart from its cultural and tourism-related initiatives, DCRT also offers various employment opportunities and shares related news updates. Recent news of interest includes the rising number of visitors and spending in 2022 and the launching of ExploreLouisiana.com by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Lastly, DCRT facilitates the Louisiana Main Street Program, which has recently marked a historic investment milestone. It also provides a calendar of festivals and events, allowing people to explore the rich cultural landscape of Louisiana. Therefore, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism plays a important role in enhancing the tourism sector, cultural awareness, and recreational activities within the state.
