International Award Winner!

The International Trade Development Group, the advisory board to Le Centre International de Lafayette announced this year’s International Achievement Award will be given to bed-and-breakfast owners of Acadiana. The IAA was established in 1998 to honor an individual, company, or organization where lasting impact has enhanced the international reputation of Acadiana in a way driving economic development, tourism, art, music or goodwill ambassadorship.

“We are honored to recognize these Acadiana bed-and-breakfasts for their significant contribution to Acadiana’s reputation as a very hospitable and joyous place to visit. For many international travelers, B&Bs are the initial welcoming door to our culture, tourism and way of life,” said Leslee Haseltine, IAA chairwoman during the award announcement presentation on Jan. 16.

“Many have welcomed guests from Canada, the U.K., France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Finland, Greece, China, South America, Australia, the Caribbean and the Philippines,” added Haseltine. B&B owners reported 30-98 percent of their total occupancy is comprised of international guests — Cajun hospitality and foreign language skills of many B&B owners is attractive to international guests choosing to visit Acadiana.

2014’s IAA presentation will take place at the Festival International reception sponsored by Lafayette Economic Development Authority in the lobby of IberiaBank at 200 West Congress St. Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 P.M.

Honorees include:
Aaah! T’Frere’s House B&B (Lafayette)
Acadian Bed & Breakfast (Lafayette)
Bayou Cabins (Breaux Bridge)
Blue Moon Saloon and Guest House (Lafayette)
Bois des Chenes Bed & Breakfast (Lafayette)
Cajun Country Cottages B&B (Breaux Bridge)
Le Village Guesthouse (Eunice)
Lee Avenue Carriage House (Lafayette)
Maison D’Memoire B&B Cottages (Rayne)
The Savoy Bed & Breakfast (Scott)