LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)- Founded in 1987, Festival International de Louisiane is now a staple when it comes to Acadiana festivals. This week-long festival gives Lafayette and the entire Acadiana region a major shot in the arm economically year in and year out.

“When you run $50 million through a city over four or five days, that is a huge impact,” Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux said.

From a tourism viewpoint, it’s a week when Lafayette can showcase itself to the world. And the world is noticing, Ben Berthelot, president and CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, said. Money is coming from out-of-state visitors and tourists from around the world.

“People are coming from 42 different states and 10 different countries,” said Berthelot.

In 2015, a study was conducted on the sales demographics for Festival International. The numbers came from the merchandise booth and showed that 48 percent of the sales came from outside of Lafayette Parish, and 19 percent were outside the state of Louisiana.

Forty-two states were represented, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as 10 countries were represented outside of the U.S.

“We are trying to improve every production on every stage. If we do that, we will improve the economic stimulus for Lafayette,” said Brad Cradeur, the festival’s vice president of marketing.

Festival International has grown so popular, out-of-towners are now planning their activities around festival week.

“Many visitors schedule their conventions and other events around the festival,” Robideaux said.

For a full lineup of FIL music and events visit the festival’s main site.