Walt Leger, from New Orleans Tourism, shares how the city is bouncing back from recent challenges with strength and community support. Despite tragic events, New Orleans quickly returned to normal, hosting major events like the Sugar Bowl and preparing for the Super Bowl’s 11th return in February. Leger highlights the city’s ability to attract global attention with iconic events like Mardi Gras, Taylor Swift’s concert, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. With a strong tourism strategy, New Orleans is positioned to welcome visitors and celebrate its unique culture and resilience in the coming months.  

 

Louisiana residents are invited to buy tickets to both events June 11-13 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

  New Orleans & Company successfully secured the 2024 Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup, which will be held June 11-13 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC). New Orleans is the first city in the United States to host this prominent international competition. We were selected as a world-class culinary destination that is Built to Host.   Bocuse d’Or is the most rigorous culinary competition in the world. It presents an opportunity to discover new generations of chefs keen to enhance their culinary heritage through their excellence, commitment, and technical skills. Both events are considered the “Olympics” of the culinary world.   "The Bocuse d'Or and the Bocuse family have a strong and personal connection to the United States. It was natural that the American selection of the Bocuse d'Or would end up settling down in the United States to welcome and represent all of the continent's gastronomy, in a city that is representative of this American cultural diversity,” said Luc Dubanchet, Deputy Managing Director of GL Events Exhibitions. “Regarding the World Pastry Cup, the United States is one of the most important stages of the global pastry, at the origin of many desserts that have become world-renowned. Being able to count on the hospitality of New Orleans is an honour, but also a privilege as it is a genuine chance to highlight the rich culinary heritage of this fantastic region."   The team at Sirha Food has partnered with several prominent New Orleans chefs to serve as advisors for the events. The official local chefs’ committee:  

• Alon Shaya
• Nina Compton
• Susan Spicer
• Emeril/EJ Lagasse
• Frank Brigtsen

  "We're so honored to welcome the esteemed members of Bocuse d'Or to our beautiful city. I know they will leave inspired by Louisiana's unique culinary culture and I hope that they will tell all their friends to come enjoy it,” said Alon Shaya, Chef and Co-Founder of Pomegranate Hospitality. “It's so important that we continue to nurture the next generation of talented chefs and create a space where they can express their deep passion for culinary arts."   Culinary Competition Details    On Tuesday, June 11, six countries from North and South America will participate in the Americas selection of the Pastry World Cup. Participating countries include Argentina, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, and Paraguay. Each team, made up of one chocolate and one sugar candidate, will have 5 hours and 30 minutes to create 16 tasting desserts and two artistic pieces. The restaurant dessert jury members include:  

• Eunji Lee, Lysse NYC
• ​Gustavo Saez, Gustavo Sáez Academy
• Matthew Peters, the only American to win the Bocuse d’Or in 2017
• Patrice Demers, Sabayon
• Susan Spicer, Rosedale

  The tasting jury members include judges from each of the countries participating. More information about the competition is available here. The top three will qualify for the Grand Finale during Sirha Lyon® in January 2025.   On Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13, the Bocuse d’Or Americas will take over the NOENMCC. The nine countries participating include Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela. The candidates must work with traditional Louisiana products, including whole shrimp, oysters, and lump crab meat on the same plate, accompanied by a sauce, and served warm or cold. The candidates will compete for five spots in the Grand Finale, with the following judges presiding:  

• Jeffrey Hayashi, President of the Jury and Bocuse d’Or Americans 2022
• Gavin Kaysen, President of the Continental Organizing Committee
• Emeril Lagasse, Honorary President
• Mathew Peters, the only chef to judge both events

  The Grand Finale is also scheduled for January 2025 in France, during the next Sirha Lyon®.   Securing this event is one of many New Orleans & Company strategies underway to drive tourism during the traditionally slower summer months.   “Events of this scale do not just happen. Our team at New Orleans & Company worked tirelessly to bring them to our city,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company.   “New Orleans is renowned as a city where champions of all kinds are crowned. Our city being the first in the United States to host these events is a testament to our place as a world-class culinary destination.”   Media Credential Information    Media credential applications are still open. More information is available on their website. Select the "Media" category and fill out the form. Once your registration is validated, you will receive your badge via email.   Public Registration Information   The Americas Selection of the Pastry World Cup is open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm on June 11. The Americas Selection of the Bocuse d’Or Americas is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 12 and 13. The competition begins at 9:30 a.m. on both days. To attend the Pastry World Cup or Bocuse d'Or, you must register as a visitor and purchase a ticket here. Tickets are $75 and include access to all three days of events. Several hotels are offering room blocks with special rates for Bocuse d’Or and The Pastry World Cup, including The Windsor Court, Loews New Orleans Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and Courtyard New Orleans Warehouse Arts District. Each of these hotels is conveniently located within walking distance of the competition and centrally located to several other attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.

 

New Tourism Campaign Brings Local Talent To Shine A Bright Light On The City

  Today New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the New Orleans tourism industry, launched a new multi-media campaign created by New Orleans ad agency Brand Society in partnership with several local entertainers and industry stars, designed to attract visitors in a highly competitive global tourism industry, create jobs and propel New Orleans and Louisiana’s economy forward.   In creating the campaign, Brand Society Associate Creative Director/Copy Chief Lori Archer-Smith wrote in the brand manifesto, “New Orleans has been the influencer of everything since 1718. She may be inside this country but is outside the imagination. She’s a place where you don’t just sight-see, you sight-feel. You don’t just travel here, the mysteries of life unravel here. Although she’s filled with history, New Orleans never gets old. Before there was America, there was her cool big sister, New Orleans. She’s your town, deep down. Once you visit New Orleans, you’re part of New Orleans.”   With the theme, the campaign also unveils a new logo for the city’s name featuring a waxing crescent moon which symbolizes growth, positive energy, optimism and abundance. The new logo was on display at the NewOrleans.com Stage at this year’s French Quarter Fest.   “A robust tourism economy does not just happen on its own, it takes consistent, concerted effort to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city by a dedicated team of professionals. We will continue to celebrate the city regionally, nationally and internationally for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people,” said Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Our partners have done a tremendous job showcasing the things that makes New Orleans one of the most remarkable cities in the world, from our wonderful restaurants and music venues to our unique and inspiring museums and attractions, and our iconic and historic landmarks and of course the residents that make the city a welcoming place for all.  We believe that travel is essential, that it brings people together and changes people for the better, and that when people travel to New Orleans, they become a part of us and we become a part of them.”   The campaign features an iconic list of local talent, including Treme vocalist, songwriter and trumpet legend James Andrews, drummer Derrick Freeman and members of Soul Brass Brand, 2022 NEA National Heritage Fellow recipient Shaka Zulu, and the N’awlins D’awlins Baby Dolls. The TV spots were directed and produced locally by Tempt Films. It features local music by Galactic, arranged and composed by local saxophonist, harmonica player, and producer Ben Ellman with a voiceover by local star Tarriona "Tank" Ball from Tank and the Bangas as the voice of New Orleans. Her words are welcoming and all-inclusive. Her message is undeniable. The video playlist can be viewed here.   Along with TV commercials, the campaign features digital, radio and print advertising, and a full identity kit which includes the new logo. Images for print and digital advertising were captured by local photographers Justen Williams and James Collier. Radio created by Brand Society was produced locally by Billy Theriot of Southern Sound while Ju9ceyand Jambalaya Brass Band provided their music for the radio spots via SparkHammer in New Orleans.   The main target audience for the campaign is what we refer to as “The Culture Seeker.” Advertisements will play in 27 key markets around the country, and will appear digitally around the world.