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Contact:
Melissa Lee
Deveney Communication
985.707.7745
mlee@deveney.com

New Orleans – President Bush saw and heard about New Orleans' recovery efforts and challenges as he visited the offices of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) on St. Charles Ave. today. He met for more than an hour with a small group of business leaders and elected officials, including NOMCVB President and CEO J. Stephen Perry, who used the opportunity to discuss the needs of the New Orleans tourism industry with the president.

“The president emphasized the importance of the tourism industry in New Orleans, he recognizes that tourism is the main economic driver in our city,” said Perry. “He stressed how excited he was to see the progress being made in the city and that New Orleans is ready for conventions, meetings, and tourists to return.”

President Bush met with Perry and a small group of business leaders at the St. Charles Avenue offices of the NOMCVB, which is designed to showcase the vibrant fabric of life and rich cultural history of New Orleans. Perry said the selection of the offices as a site for the meeting highlighted the importance of tourism to the rebuilding of New Orleans.

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) Since 1960, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) has been the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, attracting $4.9 billion to the region annually. Nationally recognized for superior customer service, NOMCVB represents over 1,200 members and provides convention services and visitor information for business travelers and vacationers. Last year, the NOMCVB welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors to one of America's favorite meeting and leisure destinations. The NOMCVB is committed to rebuilding the city of New Orleans.

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