Desitination 318 competition seeks to lure potential visitors

An innovative competition to encourage creative ideas not only to enhance the visitor experience but also the quality of life for residents is underway.

Destination 318 is a $100,00 grant competition designed to boost tourism, business development and economic growth in Shreveport-Bossier.

It is an effort by Visit Shreveport-Bossier, the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) and the cities of Shreveport and Bossier City. Visit Shreveport-Bossier is funding $100,000 for business grants, and EAP is funding the $2,000 People’s Choice Award to recognize community favorites.

The program was created to encourage innovation in tourism-related businesses, enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the local economy.

According to Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, this competition focuses on making our cities’ “hidden gems” more accessible to the average visitor and ensures that they have a one-of-a-kind experience in our destination.

Destination 318 is open to individuals with tourism-related start-ups in Caddo and Bossier parishes or existing businesses looking to expand into the region. Business concepts should focus on areas such as outdoor recreation and sport, hospitality, arts, culture or entertainment. Applications are open through Friday, Feb. 28.

The tourism-related business has to fulfill unmet needs of the tourism sector in Shreveport-Bossier. Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the tourism industry.

Also, participants must attend three mandatory workshops hosted by EAP, covering business development, marketing and scaling for long-term success.

The businesses need to align with the Destination Masterplan, which serves a strategic roadmap for Shreveport- Bossier’s long-term tourism and economic development. The goal is to make our area’s “hidden gems” more accessible create unique visitor experiences.

Winners will be announced in the summer.

The funding will be awarded thusly:

1st place: $50,000

2nd place: $25,000

3rd place: $10,000

4th place: $7,500

5th place: $5,000

6th place: $2,500

People’s Choice Award: $2,000