The Big Easy is reported ‘desperate’ for visitors
Despite intensive re-building efforts, Hurricane Katrina’s wake was so devastating, New Orleans is still “desperately seeking tourists,” according to the Associated Press.
“The areas where tourists go largely escaped devastation — and are anxiously awaiting visitors to come and spend money,” the agency said.
Hotel rooms are widely available and restaurants are again open but word has yet to get out that the city has made a comeback.
Mardi Gras held in February, however, attracted an estimated 700,000 people.
The city’s convention business got a boost when the American Library Association brought 18,000 delegates to town. The event drew rave reviews.
Guide books say little has changed in the areas known to tourists.
The area has 28,000 hotel rooms of about 10,000 less than pre-Katrina, but another 1,150 rooms are expected to return in the fall.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025