New Orleans, LA -
I would have never thought New Orleans could be recognized as
America's #1 Family Destination, but it is. At least, according
to the Yahoo!
Travel, National Geographic polls released this Spring
it is.
New Orleans, where locals are reminded about our various
#1 rankings, which often mean that #1 isn’t always such a good thing,
are happy that this time it is! While we’ll always be known as one
of the best party places in the world, it’s refreshing to get this
surprising news. And, it has surprised everyone except those in the business
of getting people to visit New Orleans: The New Orleans Tourism Marketing
Corporation (NOTMC) works on attracting Leisure Travelers. And, the New
Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau is responsible for
securing business from the much-valued convention and group business.
Also, part of what’s happened is that we’ve
added 10,000+ hotel rooms in the last decade. An increase of 43% in our
room count since 1995 to be exact (NOTMC – Industry Trends 2004).
Not all of these new hotels are 4 & 5 star properties either. Many are
limited service hotels.
The increased inventory of rooms in the limited service
market has resulted in more lower-priced rooms available around town. This
new source of relatively inexpensive accommodation has fueled an increase
in our Leisure Traveler numbers.
And, keep in mind that Leisure Travelers made up 75%
of our 10.1 million visitors last year! These leisure travelers are not
here associated
with a convention or group. They’re here to experience New Orleans
culture, restaurants, hospitality and history. Just to see how “we” live…how
flattering.
The rest of America has just started to understand
what New Orleanians have known all along. And, that’s New Orleans
is much more than the French Quarter and Bourbon Street party-time. It’s
the Audubon Institute, it’s eco-tourism, it’s the history, the
music, the culture, the PEOPLE and the hospitality that’s drawing
people from near and far to our great city. With the massive efforts of
our great hotels and agencies like the NOTMC and the NOMCVB, locals can
rest assured that every effort is made to see that New Orleans remains one
of the World’s premier destinations.
Gene Sausse
Vice President/General Manager
New Orleans Television (NOTV)
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