National Travel and Tourism Week highlights economic boost and cultural enrichment across New Orleans and the country

Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the United States travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. Across the nation, travel is a $2.8 trillion industry that supports nearly 15 million American jobs.

Nicole Porter, vice-president of political affairs for the U.S. Travel Association, said recent statistics show domestic leisure travel across the country has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Overall, tourism represents 2.5 percent of the U.S. GDP and generates billions of dollars in state and local tax revenue each year to support essential services in American communities.

“Families are heading out on road trips and booking flights to their favorite destinations and new places they want to see,” Porter said. “Travel is truly essential across the country. The trickle-down effect is vital. Travel connects Americans in every corner of the nation. Locals are excited to showcase their attractions and landscapes with visitors, and travelers love to explore new places.”

Recently, leaders from New Orleans & Company, the Port of New Orleans and the Downtown Development District came together for a panel discussion to celebrate NTTW 2024, discuss what makes New Orleans a great travel destination, and highlight some of the key events and initiatives taking place to draw even more visitors to the city. A video of the discussion can be viewed online at www.nola.com.

While tourism has long been a key economic driver in New Orleans, the coming months are slated to be some of the busiest ever for the industry in the Crescent City. From June 11-13, the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, marking the first time the international culinary and pastry competitions will take place in the United States. Then, over the Fourth of July weekend, the Essence Festival of Culture will celebrate its 30^th anniversary with three days of musical performances, inspirational speakers and insightful conversations.

Things won’t slow down in the fall and winter. In October 2024, megastar Taylor Swift will perform for three nights at the Caesars Superdome as she wraps up her record-breaking Eras Tour. On New Year’s Day 2025, the Allstate Sugar Bowl Football Classic will serve as a quarterfinal game as part of the newly-expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Then, on February 9, 2025, the Caesars Superdome will host Super Bowl LIX, the 11^th time the venue will be home to the NFL’s championship game.

“We always have seen cities like New Orleans rise to the occasion with festivals and major events, but we are seeing a real increase in the power of sports tourism,” Porter noted. “I think that area in particular will be instrumental to the success of the travel industry in the nation.”

Aside from major events, New Orleans attractions such as The National World War II Museum, Spanish Plaza, Caesars New Orleans and the Sazerac House help make New Orleans a popular destination year-round. René C. Pastorek, chief economic development officer of New Orleans’ Downtown Development District, said visitors are also attracted to the city’s historic urban fabric, complete with unique architecture, streetcars and a concentration of restaurants and retail establishments within walking distance of one another.

“The economic impact of tourism Downtown is huge,” Pastorek said. “With every visitor that comes to town, whether for a convention or leisure travel, we see reservations at restaurants, bookings at hotels, and shopping at local retail businesses. Also, this tourism activity ultimately leads to increased revenue for local business owners, higher property values for property owners and increased capital flowing from investors into real estate and business formation.”

In addition, New Orleans’ waterfront location makes it a popular spot for leisure cruises. Steven Gauthier Jr., director of cruise for the Port of New Orleans, said the Port routinely has almost 200 homeported ocean-going cruise calls annually, along with almost 100 river cruise calls. Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Disney regularly sail to Montego Bay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Freeport, Nassau and Key West. Plus, two river cruise lines sail from New Orleans and Memphis, with stops in Natchez, St. Francisville, Vicksburg and Baton Rouge.

“Besides the food, culture and music that make New Orleans the best city in the world, passengers love the proximity and convenience of our terminals being centrally located in the heart of the city,” Gauthier said. “Our passengers enjoy two vacations in one when they stay a night or two in the city before or after their cruise, and are only blocks away from the cruise terminals.”

Whether folks are planning a trip to the beach, the mountains, a historic city, a lively festival or anywhere else on the bucket list, Porter encouraged them to embrace their travel opportunity as a time to truly unwind and recharge.

“We really love to see people connecting with friends and family and seeing new destinations,” she said. “Travel is the perfect opportunity to unplug the devices, slow down a little bit and enjoy the people and places around you. Most of us really need that time to unwind and take a break from the day-to-day, and the summer is the perfect chance to do just that.”