The city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, beams with pride as Brady Renard, the accomplished Director of Content/Video Marketing at Visit Lake Charles (VLC), takes center stage as one of the distinguished graduates of the 2023 Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA). His commendable achievement was acknowledged during the Louisiana Travel Association's Annual Meeting in New Orleans this month.

Renard's successful completion of the LTLA's intensive training program signifies a significant milestone in his commitment to advancing his expertise in the field of tourism. Out of the 30 graduates honored, Renard stands out as an exemplary professional poised to contribute to the future of the tourism industry.

Chris Landry, President and CEO of LTA, expressed his enthusiasm for the graduating class, recognizing the exceptional growth and passion displayed by each candidate throughout the program. Landry highlighted the immense potential each graduate holds for the tourism sector's continued development.

Brady Renard's journey from sports journalism to tourism has been nothing short of transformative for Visit Lake Charles. In his role, he spearheaded a remarkable 500% increase in social media video views, showcasing his adeptness in leveraging digital platforms. Renard also achieved a groundbreaking feat by launching Louisiana's first-ever destination podcast, garnering over 6,800 listens across 27 countries. His distinctive storytelling prowess has undeniably elevated VLC's digital presence and engagement.

Kyle Edmiston, President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, expressed immense pride in Brady's graduation from the LTLA program. Edmiston commended Renard's dedication to continuous learning, foreseeing the invaluable impact of his newfound knowledge on further enhancing his role at Visit Lake Charles.

As a beacon of excellence, Brady Renard exemplifies the spirit of leadership and innovation in the tourism landscape. His achievements not only underscore his personal commitment to growth but also position him as a key player in steering Visit Lake Charles towards new heights of success.

Brady's graduation from the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy marks the beginning of a promising chapter, heralding a future where his expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of Visit Lake Charles.