Business News

Charlie Goodson, DoubleTree by Hilton win tourism awards

Also at annual banquet, Lafayette Travel President & CEO Ben Berthelot named to the Executive Committee of the LTPA.

Charlie Goodson
Photo by Robin May

In late January, the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association honored Charlie Goodson of Southern Hospitality Kitchens as Restaurateur of the Year and DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette as Full Service Accommodation of the Year during its Annual Membership Meeting in Natchitoches.

This year, LTPA presented 17 “Louey Awards” to individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry.

Southern Hospitality Kitchens owns Charley G's, Social Southern Table & Bar, The Tap Room and Pete's.

“This is great recognition for our area, and we are proud of this year’s award winners. Charlie Goodson has been a fixture in the restaurant scene for nearly 40 years, and has been a mentor to many in the restaurant industry. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. He is also known for being the founder of Eat Lafayette, and has been a driving force behind the campaign, which has grown into a near three-month promotion with over 100 participating restaurants,” said Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Travel.

In addition to the award winners being recognized at the Annual Banquet, Berthelot was named to the Executive Committee of the LTPA and will serve as treasurer during 2017.