Tourism leaders see bright spots across New Orleans
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Bob Dylan's review of New Orleans, as painted on a building in the 9th Ward. Photo: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Tourism powers New Orleans' economy.
Why it matters: State and local officials are using National Travel and Tourism Week to spotlight an industry that remains one of Louisiana's biggest economic drivers, especially in New Orleans.
The big picture: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and local tourism leaders have hosted special events this week recognizing hospitality workers, from airport transportation drivers to welcome center employees.
- The week wraps Friday with an event in New Orleans featuring Nungesser, Mayor Helena Moreno and Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans & Co.
By the numbers: Tourism and hospitality is the state's fourth-largest industry, per Nungesser's office.
- The sector employed 225,600 people statewide last year, including about 85,000 in New Orleans, officials say.
- Louisiana had 45 million domestic and international visitors last year, an increase from the previous year, according to the state Office of Tourism.
- They spent $19.5 billion, up $1 billion from the previous year, per research from MMGY Global.
Between the lines: 19 million visitors came to New Orleans in 2024. The 2025 numbers will be released Friday.
- Officials say their spending helps fund public safety, education, infrastructure and other state and city services.
- Without the visitors, "our relatively small city would not sustain a world-class culture of cities with a much larger population," New Orleans & Co. said in a statement.
Zoom in: Conferences and meetings are a "foundational layer" in the city's travel economy, officials say. They bring in more than $2 billion in direct spending annually.
- Convention attendees typically stay longer and spend more than leisure travelers, New Orleans & Co. says.
- This year, the city hosted the Democratic National Committee's spring meeting along with several large medical and health care conferences.
Bright spots
State of play: Tourism leaders point to several signs of momentum for the city's travel industry.
🚂 Travel options: Amtrak's new Mardi Gras line. A bustling cruise terminal. More British Airways flights and a proposed airport expansion.
🍴 Restaurants: Michelin stars. James Beard Awards. Other recognitions in the food industry.
🏨 Hotels: Renovations at major properties, including Hilton Riverside, Omni Royal, Hilton New Orleans on St. Charles, Marriott Warehouse Arts District and JW Marriott.
- New projects include the Fairmont Hotel, Element by Marriott and the planned Omni Hotel near the convention center.
🏗️ Developments: New riverfront park. Proposed Smoothie King renovations. City Park upgrades.
🖼️ Museums: New exhibits at NOMA, National WWII Museum and the Historic New Orleans Collection.
What's next: The city's festival season is in full swing.
- Plus, New Orleans hosts the national kickoff of Sail 250 later this month, with international tall ships on public view.
- New Orleans leaders are also pitching the city as a driving destination for World Cup visitors.
The bottom line: "Every visitor fuels our economy," Leger says. "Every convention supports our restaurants, attractions, musicians and culture bearers. Every cruise, train and flight arrival strengthens our community."