FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Mary Beth Romig or Jenn Lotz
New Orleans CVB
504-566-5019
mbromig@neworleanscvb.com
jlotz@neworleanscvb.com
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Launches
Free Virtual Postcard Campaign for Locals
In conjunction with the “Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown” campaign, locals are asked to be
New Orleans ambassadors by inviting family and friends to visit the Crescent City and to explore
the city with locals
New Orleans—July 29, 2009— Adding a cyber-twist to the “Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown” promotion, The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has created a virtual postcard campaign. The CVB is launching the campaign as the month of August approaches to bolster interest in the city as a destination during a time when New Orleans anticipates major festivals and the sixth annual COOLinary New Orleans restaurant promotion.
Locals are asked to visit the New Orleans CVB’s “Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown” website (www.touristathome.com) where several postcards are available. Postcard recipients will receive an invitation with a special message from the sender asking friends and family to enjoy the culture, cuisine, attractions and shopping in New Orleans.
In addition to the virtual postcards, hardcopy postcards will also be available for free at the CVB’s headquarter office lobby located at 2020 St. Charles Ave. Participants in the campaign are also asked to take a photograph with friends and family while visiting their favorite New Orleans attractions. Images sent to publicaffairs@neworleanscvb.com will be posted to the “Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown” website with a link on the CVB’s Twitter page.*
“We are lucky to live in one of the cities consistently named a top destination for travelers, and with the virtual campaign we’re reminding people of all of the great things there are to do right here at home – the Zoo, Insectarium and Aquarium, riverboat and streetcar rides, our art galleries, museums, shops, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, special events and attractions unlike anywhere else,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans CVB. “We tell the world through our advertising that New Orleans is a city like no other, and sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that, and there is no better way to do that than by being a tourist in your own hometown.”
The CVB also urges local residents to send the postcards to family and friends, particularly those who live within easy driving distance, inviting them to New Orleans for a long weekend.
“With the challenges we are facing in the economy, New Orleans continues to be a great value for the travel dollar,” adds Perry. “Many of our hotels are offering special packages to local residents, and with the COOLinary promotion in restaurants, there are many offerings out there for locals and visitors alike.”
The promotion “Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown” was started in the early 2000s and encourages residents from across the New Orleans region to enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer. The campaign features coupons for residents offering parking specials, dining coupons, special hotel packages and discounts for admission to various attractions throughout the city. Coupons can be downloaded at the website, www.touristathome.com.
The launch of the campaign will coincide with Satchmo SummerFest 2009. The campaign hopes to highlight Satchmo SummerFest, Whitney White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night, COOLinary New Orleans and the New Orleans Antiques Forum in August along with Southern Decadence Festival, the New Orleans Seafood Festival and Project 30-90, Louisiana’s first environmentally-friendly festival, in September. For a complete list of upcoming festivals, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com. The campaign also encourages locals and visitors to enjoy the many great world-class attractions and one of-a-kind experiences that can only be found in America’s most authentic city – New Orleans.
(* Images subject to inclusion.)
Consistently recognized as one of the top five convention and visitor bureaus in the United States, The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, tourism. Today the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, the Faubourg Marigny and Garden District - are thriving. In 2008 New Orleans welcomed 7.6 million visitors, an increase over 2007 visitor levels of 7.1 million people. For more information, visit www.neworleanscvb.com.
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