St. Tammany Tourism: Commission Unanimously Adopts 10-Year Master Plan
The board approved the $325,000 document after a year of public input, setting five strategic goals for the parish's next decade.
By Pedro Barnes ·
St. Tammany Parish now has a formal roadmap for its next decade of tourism.
The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission approved the parish’s first 10-year Destination Master Plan unanimously. The vote took place on Oct. 27 at the Visit the Northshore office near Mandeville. Donna O’Daniels, the organization’s president and CEO, described the resolution as the most impactful action of her more than 30-year tenure.
The commission allocated $325,000 for the project. O’Daniels called the plan the biggest thing the organization has done in the 31 years she has worked there. The document serves as a tool for intentional growth. It aims to strengthen the local economy and support businesses. O’Daniels stated the plan ensures tourism benefits the community in sustainable ways.
The plan took more than a year to complete. The commission contracted MMGY Nextfactor, an international destination marketing firm, to lead the effort. The firm collected data from public gatherings, town halls, digital surveys, and focus groups. The project was funded by the commission’s special projects fund. Additional money will be available in 2027 to execute the recommendations.
Five work groups will determine the order of implementation. These groups align with the plan’s strategic goals. The goals include investing in signature infrastructure, protecting natural assets, expressing local culture, growing sports travel, and improving access. O’Daniels said the first priority will be research studies on hotels, amateur sports, and outdoor attractions. Early projects may include expanding the Community Mural Project and improving wayfinding signage between towns.
Some recommendations will take longer to execute. O’Daniels expressed excitement about developing the northern part of the parish as an equestrian destination. She noted that this project requires coordination and research to understand visitor needs. She estimated the work is a few years down the line. The full master plan will be available on the Visit the Northshore website in the coming weeks.
The commission also announced a new brewery collaboration. Marketing Director Sarah Hill said Causeway Copper, a Vienna-style lager, launched this week. The beer is available at Chafunkta Brewing Co. in cans and on tap. Local grocery stores will stock it this month. Nate Bosley, a new digital content and creative manager, designed the label. O’Daniels said Bosley’s work will elevate the organization’s professionalism as it implements the plan. The next regular meeting is set for Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
