New Orleans still safe, say tourism chiefs following gun battle
Tourism officials in New Orleans have come together to calm fears following the weekend’s Bourbon Street gunfight which injured nine, including several tourists.
Stephen Perry, president of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, joined with Mark Romig, at the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, to issue a statement.
"Tragedies of violence are impacting cities across our country and while this is a crucial, challenging issue for our community, we are encouraged by initiatives of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and his administration have given it," the statement said.
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said the incident was caused by two "cowardly" men spraying bullets across the street at each other.
"This is a heinous crime, this is two young men, both armed with firearms, who chose to settle a dispute between themselves without a moment’s care for anyone else," Serpas said.
Serpas said more officer patrols were already planned for the French Quarter this coming weekend, for the popular Essence Festival and Fourth of July holiday.
Two of the nine shooting victims are in a critical condition and police confirmed some were from outside of the city visiting the French Quarter.
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne said that any serious crime that impacts tourists is a cause of concern, but doesn’t believe it will deter tourists from visiting.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports