 NEW ORLEANSFor a region that was devastated with one of the nations worst natural disasters less than a year ago, New Orleans may be the destination comeback story of 2006. With most major hotels properties, venues, attractions and transportation systems fully operational, New Orleans is more than ready for business, it is already doing business.
Weve seen the spirit of this great city take charge and overcome challenges not imaginable to most major metropolitan areas, said Jeff OHara, president of PRA Destination Management New Orleans, one of the leading destination management companies in the region. Despite old images of devastation still being portrayed by national news outlets, the city has prevailed over immense obstacles and made great strides in reopening tourism-related businesses.
According to the latest statistics released by the New Orleans Tourism department, the citys major hoteliers were at full capacity during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest with nearly 30,000 rooms occupied (New Orleans had approximately 35,000 rooms before Hurricane Katrina, and according to Tourism officials, about 3,500 remain off line.). In addition, the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center will host 28 events this year with more than 230,000 total visitors. The convention centers first large citywide convention will take place June 22-28, welcoming the American Library Association. Many New Orleans museums and cultural attractions are also open for business, including The New Orleans Museum of Art, The French Quarter and the amazing six miles of shopping along Magazine Street, along with over 1,200 restaurants and event venues.
Helping to fuel the resurgence of the Big Easy has been a proliferation of bargains, discounts and other packages available city-wide. The city wants its hospitality business back and that means a buyers market for visitors, meeting planners and companies alike, said OHara. We are seeing deals and an assortment of options weve never seen before. Our key suppliers and partners are in place and choices are plentiful to produce a successful and unforgettable program. |
