FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Contacts:  

Rhonda Cook, rcook@neworleans.com, 504-616-6161 

Will Chaney, wchaney@neworleans.com, 504-556-5867 

New Orleans & Company Highlights What’s New in New Orleans Hospitality Industry   

2026 Momentum continues as New Orleans kicks off Sail 250, welcomes summer events and prepares for major global gatherings 

NEW ORLEANS – June 23, 2026 – As New Orleans moves into the second half of 2026, the city continues to build on a remarkable year of momentum. Following the successful launch of Sail 250 New Orleans, the city is preparing to welcome major international sporting, culinary and cultural events while continuing to invest in tourism infrastructure, hospitality offerings and quality-of-life initiatives. From Essence Festival of Culture to the X Games Championship, Bocuse d'Or Americas and Pastry World Cup Americas, New Orleans remains firmly in the global spotlight. At the same time, new attractions, expanded international air service, hotel investments and major meetings industry wins continue to reinforce the city's position as a world-class destination Built to Host. 

Major Events 

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 – With the FIFA World Cup taking place across North America this summer, New Orleans extends a warm welcome to international visitors traveling throughout the United States. While not a host city, New Orleans is uniquely positioned as a convenient destination with direct flights to several host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. Visitors looking to extend their stay can experience the city's renowned music, cuisine, culture and hospitality. 

  • Essence Festival of Culture – The Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans July 3-6, bringing together global leaders, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers for one of the nation's most significant celebrations of Black culture and excellence. This year's festival features Teyana Taylor as Chief Curator and includes a special appearance by former First Lady Michelle Obama. The festival is expected to draw visitors from around the world while generating significant economic impact for the city. Tickets and additional information are available at Essence.com.  

  • X Games Championship – New Orleans is partnering with another prominent global sports brand with the first-ever X Games Championship event, the final stop of the inaugural MoonPay X Games League (XGL) Summer Season, coming to the Caesars Superdome July 24-26, 2026. The three-day action sports festival features 18 competitions across Skateboard, BMX and Moto X, with more than 100 of the world's top action sports athletes competing. The event will also feature live performances from Metro Boomin, J.I.D, Subtronics, and BUNT. New Orleans will serve as the championship finale of the global 2026 season, following stops in Sacramento and Japan. Fans around the world can watch the broadcasts on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2, as well as streaming on the ESPN App and other digital platforms.  Buy your tickets here!  

  • Bocuse d'Or Americas & Pastry World Cup Americas – New Orleans will once again host the Americas selections for the Bocuse d'Or and Pastry World Cup, returning to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center July 24-26, 2026, following a highly successful debut in 2024. Eight teams from across the Americas will compete in each competition, with participants representing countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and the United States. Competition themes will highlight halibut, Gulf shrimp, tomatoes, corn, bone-in ribeye, beef brisket, sweet potatoes and coffee, providing a unique culinary showcase that reflects both international talent and regional influences. 

  • COOLinary New Orleans – COOLinary returns August 1-31, offering specially curated prix-fixe menus at many of New Orleans' most celebrated restaurants. The annual promotion provides an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience the city's world-renowned culinary scene at exceptional value. 

  • The National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s is toasting 10 years this fall with an epic celebration Oct. 2 - 4, set against the scenic backdrop of the New Orleans Lakefront. Founded in 2016, FCF was built on a simple idea: bringing people together around one of America's most beloved foods in one of its greatest culinary cities. Now, for its 10th anniversary, the festival is going bigger than ever before with a three-day celebration and upgraded music lineup, featuring top-tier national recording artists alongside beloved local and regional acts. From award-winning fried chicken favorites to vegetarian, vegan, and everything in between, FCF showcases flavors for every palate, earning a coveted spot on USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as the 6th Best Specialty Food Festival in the nation. Come experience three full days of food, music, and culture, with delicious dishes from over 40 restaurants, three stages of live entertainment, five unique VIP experiences, the return of the FCF 5K Run/Walk, and so much more throughout the weekend. If you've been before, you've never seen FCF like this—and if it's your first time, this is one you won’t want to miss. Explore discounted weekend pass options and purchase early to lock in the lowest available rates, as all ticket and registration prices will continue to rise as the event approaches. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit friedchickenfestival.com. 

  • WWE Money in the Bank 2026 – WWE will bring Money in the Bank to New Orleans on October 10, 2026, marking the first WWE Premium Live Event in the city since WrestleMania 34 in 2018. One of WWE's most anticipated annual events, Money in the Bank will attract fans from across the country while generating significant visitation and economic impact. The event further reinforces New Orleans' reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events and live entertainment. 

  • Freaky Deaky NOLA – New Orleans will welcome Freaky Deaky NOLA, a new Halloween weekend music festival debuting October 30-31, 2026 at the New Orleans Lakefront Arena and Festival Grounds. Produced by Disco Presents, the event will bring electronic music fans from across the country to New Orleans for a two-day festival experience featuring nationally recognized artists, immersive production and Halloween-themed entertainment. The festival adds to New Orleans' growing portfolio of major music and cultural events while further strengthening the city's position as a premier festival destination. 

  • Museum Month – New Orleans Museum Month returns in August, allowing members of participating museums to enjoy free admission at all participating institutions throughout the month. The program encourages exploration of the city's diverse cultural attractions, from art and history museums to interactive family experiences. 

Newsworthy Developments 

  • Sail 250 New Orleans – New Orleans successfully served as the first city in the nation to launch Sail 250, America's maritime celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. The event brought U.S. Navy vessels, Coast Guard ships, international tall ships, public tours, fireworks, family activities and cultural programming to the Mississippi River waterfront. According to New Orleans & Company data, 125,000 visitors came to the riverfront for Sail 250 between May 28-31, a 500 percent increase over the same dates in 2025. More broadly, the French Quarter and downtown welcomed 454,000 visitors during the same period, up 52.3 percent compared to 2025. 

  • New Orleans Hosting the World for IPW 2027 – New Orleans took center stage at IPW 2026 in Greater Fort Lauderdale as the next host city for the U.S. Travel Association's premier international marketplace. During the event, New Orleans & Company, the Louisiana Office of Tourism and tourism partners officially invited global travel buyers, media and industry professionals to experience IPW 2027 in New Orleans. Over four days, New Orleans & Company conducted 182 individual customer meetings while the communications team met with more than 50 journalists. The destination announcement featured remarks from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, a welcome message from Mayor Helena Moreno and a special musical performance by Robin Barnes and Pat Casey. IPW 2027 will take place in New Orleans May 2-6, 2027. 

  • North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 – New Orleans successfully hosted the second edition of North America's 50 Best Restaurants, welcoming some of the most influential chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists and hospitality leaders from across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The event generated significant international media attention while showcasing New Orleans' culinary community to influential audiences. Dakar NOLA was ranked No. 4 and named Best Restaurant in the South USA, Emeril's was ranked No. 20, and Acamaya ranked No. 30. During the awards ceremony, Emeril Lagasse also received the Seven Rooms Icon Award. 

  • La Biennale di Venezia – For the first time since 2015, two New Orleans artists have been invited to participate in the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, one of the most prestigious international art exhibitions in the world, taking place in Italy. Contemporary artists Dawn DeDeaux and Big Chief Demond Melancon are the only artists from the American Gulf South selected for the 61st International Art Exhibition, In Minor Keys, which will run from May 9 through November 22, 2026, at the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various locations throughout Venice, Italy. 

  • Smoothie King Center Renovation Plans – Plans are underway for major renovations to the Smoothie King Center, aimed at enhancing the fan experience and modernizing the arena. The upgrades will support the venue’s ability to host major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment, reinforcing New Orleans’ position as a premier destination for live events.  

  • Vision 2035 - Released in December 2025, the Greater New Orleans Region Vision Plan 2035 is a comprehensive, 10-year strategy designed to enhance the region as a place to live, learn, work, and visit. Developed by New Orleans & Company in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Jefferson Economic Development Commission, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban League of Louisiana, the plan reflects a collaborative approach to long-term growth that extends far beyond tourism. The plan was developed through collaboration with more than 250 community stakeholders. Vision 2035 is rooted in a simple but important understanding: what strengthens daily life for residents also strengthens the visitor experience. When New Orleans works better for its people, it becomes even more inviting to the world. To learn more, please click here. 

  • City Park - City Park Conservancy (CPC) is embracing the future of New Orleans City Park, unveiling City Park 2050 – a bold, long-term Park plan that will help guide the Park’s growth and development for the next two decades. City Park 2050 establishes an innovative and thoughtful roadmap for City Park’s future – one that will prioritize the greater good, address community needs, preserve historical and cultural context, strengthen environmental resiliency, and foster a welcoming sense of place for generations of Park users and visitors. 

    • The plan lays out a clear path for restoration and improvements throughout the entire park, including native landscape and infrastructure upgrades, new trails and pathways, lagoon- and water-system enhancements, and creating new and improving existing both recreational and community gathering spaces. Additionally, the plan calls for building inclusive features that focus on enhanced accessibility, sustainability, equity and cross-generational connection. 

  • Goldring/Woldenberg Riverfront Park Expansion – Audubon Nature Institute recently completed the latest phase of improvements to Goldring/Woldenberg Riverfront Park, adding new public gathering spaces, landscaping, seating areas and enhanced connectivity along the Mississippi River waterfront. The project continues the transformation of New Orleans' riverfront into a more accessible destination for residents and visitors alike. 

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS 

  • For much of the year, meetings and conventions form a foundational layer of New Orleans’ travel economy, with more than $2 billion in direct spending annually. Those convention attendees typically stay longer, spend more and engage more small businesses throughout the community to produce their events.   

  • Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders 2029 – PCMA recently announced that New Orleans will host Convening Leaders 2029, marking the event's first return to the city since 2009. Convening Leaders is the flagship event of the world's largest business events association and provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase New Orleans to meeting professionals responsible for booking conventions, conferences and events around the world. New Orleans will become a five-time host city for the event, having previously welcomed Convening Leaders in 1968, 1976, 1990 and 2009. 

  • New Orleans & Company’s Convention Sales team has booked an impressive convention calendar for 2026, including the largest and most respected medical and healthcare meetings in the world – such as The American College of Cardiology, The American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The American Society of Hematology - each serving as their own powerful economic engine.   

  • Throughout 2026, New Orleans & Company hosted travel trade and meeting industry media from across North America, providing firsthand experiences of the city's convention infrastructure, hospitality offerings and unique culture. These media visits help generate future coverage that reaches meeting planners, tour operators, travel advisors, and business event decision-makers, supporting New Orleans' continued growth as a leading destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. 

  • These meetings and conventions are where medical breakthroughs are revealed, new technology is introduced, and commerce moves forward. What better place to do that than New Orleans, a city Built to Host?  

HOTEL NEWS  

  • New Orleans continues to make significant investments in its meetings and hospitality infrastructure, with more than $1 billion invested in hotel renovations across the city. These investments demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a world-class hospitality product for meetings and conventions of every size. 

  • Omni Convention Center Headquarters Hotel – The planned Omni Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, expected to break ground in the near future, will be a transformative addition to the convention district. The 1,000-room headquarters hotel will be located directly across from Hall C of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and is projected to open in 2030. 

  • Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – The upcoming Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property in the former Bank of New Orleans building will bring a new luxury hotel offering to the city. The Fairmont is an 18-story luxury hotel with 250 guestrooms, including 40 suites, 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 10,000 sq. ft. Spa. 

  • Element by Marriott – The recently opened Element by Marriott adds 216 extended-stay guestrooms as part of the same luxury, upscale project at the former Bank of New Orleans building. 

  • Hilton New Orleans Riverside – The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is completing a comprehensive renovation of its 1,622 guestrooms along with major resiliency improvements. The project includes upgrades to guestrooms, guestroom bathrooms, parlor rooms, corridors, elevator lobbies and vending areas, along with new fixtures, furniture, equipment and updates to existing ADA guest rooms. 

  • New Orleans Marriott – The New Orleans Marriott is finalizing a renovation of all 1,333 guestrooms and is ushering in a new era for one of the city’s most recognizable hotels with the completion of a comprehensive guest room and M Club redesign, debuting this fall. The guest room renovation introduces a contemporary design across all guest rooms and suites, featuring a refined palette of soft blues and grays complemented by natural wood finishes and gold accents. Enhancements focus on both aesthetics and functionality, including the conversion of Double/Double beds to Queen/Queen beds and the addition of a chaise lounge in most King guest rooms that converts to an additional double bed. As part of the reconfiguration, five of the hotel’s 32 Crescent City Suites will now offer Queen/Queen accommodations, while 16 former Tower Suites are being converted to mirror the Crescent City Suite layout, increasing consistency and flexibility for group and business travelers. 

  • New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District – The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District recently completed a renovation of all 332 guestrooms as part of a broader property enhancement, further strengthening the city's inventory of modern accommodations and meeting-ready hotels. 

  • JW Marriott New Orleans – The JW Marriott New Orleans has renovated all 22 of its meeting and event spaces, enhancing more than 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. 

  • The Omni Royal Orleans is undergoing a renovation to be completed in early 2026. The renovation involves a full upgrade of guest-facing spaces and event areas while preserving the building’s historic character. Work includes the construction of a new lobby bar, music lounge, coffee shop, and a fully renovated ballroom, along with the addition of a rooftop bar and pool. For more information, click here.   

  • In early 2026, Hilton New Orleans on St. Charles Ave will begin an extensive, property-wide renovation led by HRI’s Hospitality in-house construction team, HCI Construction. The project will update all public areas, meeting and event spaces, and guest rooms, including the new presidential suites and a reimagined lobby bar. For more information, click here.   

CULINARY NEWS AND NEW RESTAURANTS 

  • James Beard Awards – New Orleans continued its strong showing at the 2026 James Beard Awards. Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, while Ana Castro of Acamaya was also recognized as a finalist in the category. Link Restaurant Group was named a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, and E.J. Lagasse of Emeril's was recognized as a finalist for Emerging Chef. The honors further reinforce New Orleans' reputation as one of the nation's premier culinary destinations. To watch Serigne's acceptance speech courtesy of FOX 8, please click here.   

  • North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 – New Orleans was once again recognized on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026. Dakar NOLA was ranked No. 4 and earned the title of Best Restaurant in the South USA, while Emeril’s was ranked No. 20. Acamaya also made the list at No. 30, giving New Orleans three restaurants among North America’s 50 Best. 

  • North America’s 50 Best Bars – New Orleans bars continue to earn national recognition, with Jewel of the South ranked No. 6 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list and named Best Bar in the South USA for the fourth consecutive year. Cure was also recognized at No. 21, earning the list’s Highest Climber Award.  

  • New Orleans was well represented at the MICHELIN Guide to the American South Ceremony in November. Emeril's was awarded Two MICHELIN stars while Saint German and Zasu were awarded One MICHELIN Star each. Chef EJ Lagasse was awarded the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.  

    • 11 New Orleans restaurants were named to the Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for offering great food at a great value. 

    • 18 New Orleans restaurants were also named to the MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants list. 

    • To view full lists of Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants, click here. 

  • Daughter’s Neighborhood Italian – James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Devillier and Mia Devillier have announced Daughter’s Neighborhood Italian, a new restaurant set to open in fall 2026 in the former Upperline Restaurant space Uptown. The concept will feature Italian American cuisine rooted in family heritage, blending traditional dishes with New Orleans influence in a refined but approachable setting.  

  • The Crustacean Club – The Crustacean Club has opened at 1036 N. Rampart Street, offering two distinct dining experiences centered around Gulf seafood: The Oyster Bar and The Club Room. The newly reimagined space also features an intimate dining room serving a five-course chef’s tasting menu highlighting local Gulf seafood.  

CRUISES 

  • Norwegian Cruise Line continues to operate seasonal sailings from New Orleans, with the Norwegian Breakaway sailing Western Caribbean itineraries early 2026 and the Norwegian Getaway returning for late fall departures.  

  • Royal Caribbean International also maintains service from the Port of New Orleans with Mariner of the Seas, offering six- to nine-night Western Caribbean cruises during multiple sailings throughout 2026.  

  • New Orleans continues to serve as a major homeport for Caribbean cruise departures along the Gulf Coast. Carnival Cruise Line remains the only cruise line with two ships homeported year-round in New Orleans, with Carnival Liberty sailing year-round itineraries. Beginning in May 2027, the larger Carnival Dream will return to Port NOLA, offering four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries and accommodating more than 3,600 passengers.  

RAILROAD 

  • The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service continues to exceed expectations, connecting New Orleans, Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula and Mobile by rail for the first time in the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. By April 2026, the service was nearing 100,000 passengers, surpassing its original annual projection of 75,000 riders just eight months after launch. The service has brought thousands of visitors to New Orleans, with strong visitation from Mobile and Mississippi Gulf Coast communities, while also earning customer satisfaction ratings above 95%. The strong ridership demonstrates growing regional demand for rail travel and provides visitors with a convenient, car-free way to reach New Orleans. 

MUSEUMS 

  • Louisiana State Museum – The Louisiana State Museum has opened Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, a major new exhibition at The Cabildo highlighting Louisiana’s pivotal role in the American Revolution through the leadership of Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez. Featuring artifacts, documents, and original research, the exhibition explores how New Orleans and the Gulf South helped shape the outcome of the war. The exhibition opened March 8, 2026 and will be on view through May 15, 2027  

  • American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition – The Historic New Orleans Collection debuted American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition, an immersive, technology-driven experience running through January 17, 2027. Using interactive 3-D reconstructions and a HistoPad tablet, visitors can explore key moments of the American Revolution—from the Boston Tea Party to the signing of the Declaration of Independence—while also highlighting the pivotal role of New Orleans and the Gulf South in shaping the nation’s history.  

  • The National WWII Museum continues to expand its programming in Spring 2026 with new exhibits and immersive experiences. Visitors can explore the newly opened WWII Motor Pool, a dedicated facility for restoring and preserving historic military vehicles, offering a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work. The museum has also introduced PT-305 Below Deck Private Tours, allowing guests to explore the interior of the fully restored World War II patrol torpedo boat. Additional highlights include the special exhibit Come Back Fighting: The USS New Orleans at War and ongoing performances of The Victory Belles’ Salute to Hope, a musical tribute celebrating the resilience of the 1940s home front.  

  • NOMA – The New Orleans Museum of Art continues to present a dynamic lineup of exhibitions in 2026. Current exhibitions include Sèvres Magnifique: French Porcelain from the Collection of Thomas B. Lemann and Afropolitan: Contemporary African Arts at NOMA, along with Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity. Additional exhibitions such as Hanaq Pachap: Art of the Indigenous Guilds of Viceregal Peru and Carlo Saraceni’s Our Lady of Loreto and Peruvian Viceregal Statue Paintings further highlight the museum’s diverse programming. NOMA will also debut Robert Gordy: Outside the Mainstream in April 2026. The New Orleans Museum of Art was recently selected to represent Louisiana in Travel + Leisure's "50 Unique Experiences Across the U.S. to Celebrate America's 250th," further highlighting the city's cultural significance on the national stage.  

AIRLINES AND AIRPORT 

  • MSY Awards and Recognition – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport continues to earn national and international recognition for passenger experience and customer service. MSY has been named Best Airport in North America among airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers for five consecutive years and was one of only three airports in North America to receive the Best Airport at Departures recognition from ACI World’s Airport Service Quality Awards each year from 2021 through 2025. In 2026, MSY was also one of only eight airports worldwide inducted into ACI World’s Director General’s Roll of Excellence for consistent passenger service excellence. The airport also received ACI-NA’s 2025 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Award for Best Customer Experience Program for Music @ MSY, which supports local musicians and entertains travelers throughout the terminal. 

  • Expanded Air Service – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) continues to expand connectivity in 2026, offering nonstop service to more than 50 destinations across the United States, Latin America, and Europe. With over 15 airlines operating at MSY and continued increases in frequency on key routes, the airport is providing greater access and flexibility for travelers while supporting the region’s growing tourism and business demand. 

  • British Airways - British Airways announced that New Orleans will increase from three to four flights per week to London Heathrow Airport. The additional flights are a testament to the relationship and partnership built by our community, and especially with our marketing partnership between New Orleans & Company and British Airways since 2017. The expanded service will provide greater flexibility for local residents, business travelers and visitors traveling between New Orleans, London and British Airways’ global network. 

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 20-year Master Plan – New Orleans & Company was pleased to join New Orleans Mayor Moreno, Aviation Director Dolliole, several regional parish presidents and GNO Inc. on March 20th to announce a 20-year master plan for MSY. The plan outlines the investments needed to ensure MSY can meet future demand while maintaining the high-quality experience travelers expect. It includes the construction of a second terminal facility, as many as 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage and an improved roadway system. Expanding our airport strengthens New Orleans’ role as a global city, a hub for visitation and talent and ultimately helps us to become a better place to live, work, learn and visit. For details, please click here. 

  • Frontier Airlines added four new nonstop flights from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in February 2026. Frontier will be flying to and from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.