Louisiana thrives on tourism, and state leaders are looking for ways to increase the number of international visitors from countries like Australia, India, Italy and Spain.

Why it matters: International tourists typically stay longer and spend more money than our domestic friends.

• More visitor spending means more money funneled to our small businesses and more local jobs.

Driving the news: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and members of the state's Office of Tourism are in Australia and New Zealand this week and next to promote international travel to Louisiana.

• They'll also be laying the groundwork for hosting the Rugby World Cup, an athletic event that's held every four years.
• The U.S. will host the Rugby World Cup games in 2031 (men) and 2033 (women), and Louisiana is under consideration to be the host state, according to Nungesser's office.

Zoom out: Louisiana had about 106,000 international visitors in 2021, according to Nungesser's office, which oversees the state's Office of Tourism.

• They spent about $130 million in the state.

The big picture: Louisiana markets itself as a one-stop shop destination internationally — culture, food, outdoors, music and more.

• Visitors from Europe and Latin America comprise 29% of all visitors to Louisiana, and Canadians make up 17%.

Top countries: We see the most tourists from these countries.

1. Canada.
2. Mexico.
3. Germany.
4. United Kingdom.
5. India.
6. France.
7. Spain.
8. Italy.
9. Brazil.
10. Netherlands.

Go deeper with more about the international tourism efforts

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Average summer temperatures increased in New Orleans by 3.1°F between 1970 and 2022, per a new analysis by climate research group Climate Central, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Tory Lysik report.

• Average temperatures were 84°F in 2022, compared to 80.9°F in 1970.

Why it matters: Extreme heat is a serious health risk, leading to both immediate acute effects (such as exhaustion and heat stroke) as well as longer-term complications due to reduced air quality.

Threat level: On top of rising overall temperatures due to climate change, New Orleans is the worst "heat island" among all major U.S. metros, according to Climate Central.

• Mostly due to a lack of permeable surface, New Orleans can be nearly 9°F warmer than surrounding tree-covered communities.
• Newark, New York City, Houston and San Francisco are all close behind.

What's happening: This year isn't shaping up to be any cooler. The climate outlook for June through August shows Louisiana and a broad swath of the country are likely to see a hotter-than-average summer, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes.

What's next: Cities nationwide are hiring "chief heat officers" to head up efforts to mitigate urban heat, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson reports, including through the use of "smart surfaces" and increasing tree cover (and thus shade).

• Hurricanes like Katrina and Ida were brutal to the tree canopy in New Orleans.
• New Orleans is trying to plant 40,000 trees by 2030. As of May, Parks and Parkways crews had planted 1,165.

What he's saying: "Trees and green spaces are some of our most important natural tools to combat extreme heat, flooding and soil erosion,” Greg Nichols, the city's deputy chief resilience officer, said in an emailed statement last month.

• “These significant benefits are often missing in our historically disadvantaged and less affluent neighborhoods."

Zoom in: The city's health department has a "Climate and Health" section with advice on how to prepare for an extreme summer. Of course, pay close attention to babies and children, elderly neighbors and family, athletes and workers outside.

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🍔 Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees signed a lease to open a burger franchise at Clearview City Center in Metairie. Smalls Sliders should open late this year. (Biz New Orleans)

🐟 The snakehead fish made its first documented — and unwanted —appearance in Louisiana. The invasive species from Asia can breathe air, and the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is worried. (NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune🔒)

🫙 Glass Half Full in New Orleans is expanding its glass recycling program to the Mississippi gulf coast. The startup turns glass into gravel and sand in hopes of using it to restore the coastline. (Sun Herald)

⚕️ City leaders are asking council members to approve a $21.2 million contract with Wellpath, a private health care provider for the Orleans Justice Center. The provider has been criticized by federal monitors for failing to provide adequate care. (The Lens)

👋 Carlie here. I tried out kitten yoga this week at the main branch of the Jefferson Parish Library.

Why it matters: It's free, fun, family-friendly and air-conditioned.

• And, it gets kittens adopted while helping them socialize until they find their forever homes.

Reality check: I'm not an experienced yoga person, and it was fine. There were about 100 people in the room, and it was cool to sit or lay on the mat and pet the furballs.

What's next: Kitten yoga is every other week this summer, courtesy of JP libraries and Jefferson SPCA. See the schedule.