March 7, 2025

Joan Botts Appointed to Board of Louisiana Travel Association

News Summary

Joan Botts, Vice President of Marketing at Paragon Casino Resort, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Travel Association. This announcement was made at LTA’s annual meeting on March 6, 2025. Joan brings a wealth of marketing experience and community commitment, aiming to enhance Louisiana’s tourism industry. Her leadership at Paragon has already gained recognition, and her new role aligns with the crucial growth of tourism in the state, which generated $1.9 billion in 2023.

Exciting New Appointment in the Bayou: Joan Botts Joins Louisiana Travel Association

In the charming city of Marksville, Louisiana, some thrilling news has emerged that will surely get the tourism wheels turning! Joan Botts, the energetic Vice President of Marketing for Paragon Casino Resort, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA). This delightful announcement took place at LTA’s annual meeting on March 6, 2025, where members gathered to celebrate a year gone by and to look forward to what’s next in the vibrant world of Louisiana tourism.

Who is Joan Botts?

For those unfamiliar, Joan Botts isn’t just a name in Louisiana’s tourism scene; she’s a driving force behind the marketing strategies at Paragon Casino Resort. Since taking the helm two years ago, she’s been working tirelessly to promote this resort, which has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. Joan, a proud resident of Marksville, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role with LTA—it’s not just a job for her; it’s a passion!

The Role and Responsibilities

As a Board Member, Joan’s mission is clear: to enhance the tourism industry throughout Louisiana. She will be diving into a variety of responsibilities that fall under her marketing expertise. This includes overseeing brand marketing, advertising, direct marketing, promotions, and even community relations. If there’s an event happening at Paragon Casino Resort, you can bet Joan is right in the thick of it! Her impressive background ensures she’ll be bringing a wealth of experience to the table, with marketing roles in places like Durant, OK, Hot Springs, AR, and Shreveport/Bossier City, LA.

Joan’s leadership has proven invaluable, as evidenced by the Award for Accommodation of the Year that Paragon Casino Resort snagged in 2024 from the LTA—an accolade that showcases just how impactful her marketing strategies have been.

Support from Peers

Joan isn’t just respected for her results; her collaborative spirit shines through at Paragon. Marshall Ray Sampson Sr., the General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort, praised her for her exceptional leadership and expertise. It’s this kind of support from colleagues that makes her appointment even more exciting—Joan is surrounded by encouragement, ready to take on big challenges!

Joining the Team at a Critical Time

The timing of her appointment could not be better! In 2023, Louisiana’s tourism sector generated a whopping $1.9 billion, solidifying its place as one of the state’s top employers. Chris Landry, LTA’s President and CEO, emphasized how vital it is for the board to adapt to the needs of its members while promoting education and marketing opportunities. With Joan on board, that adaptability is sure to grow!

A Dedicated Community Member

Joan is not just about business; she’s about community too! She has also been actively participating in the 2024 Leadership CENLA program and is serving as a Board Member for the Marksville Chamber of Commerce for the 2023-2024 term. You can see that her heart for the community runs deep, making her an ideal representative for the tourism industry.

Looking Ahead

With Joan Botts stepping into this prominent role, the future of Louisiana’s tourism industry looks bright. Her extensive experience, coupled with an undeniable passion for her state, means that she’s ready to take on the challenge and continue to elevate what Louisiana has to offer. If you ever find yourself in the Bayou State, you’ll want to check out the exciting changes coming your way!

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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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