FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Kelly Schulz
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5045 / 504-421-0962 (cell)
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com

Erica Papillion
504-566-5044
epapillion@neworleanscvb.com

Ninety-seven Percent of Travel Professionals to Recommend New Orleans as a Leisure Destination

Travel Professionals praise New Orleans during “Back to the Big Easy” fam

NEW ORLEANS – October 18, 2006 – To reacquaint travel professionals with New Orleans, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) hosted travel agents during the “Back to the Big Easy” familiarization trip and post-visit survey results show that New Orleans continues to be considered one of the top leisure destinations in the country.

For two months, 600 travel agents came to the city to enjoy the authentic New Orleans experience—one that is unmatched and better than ever. The “Back to the Big Easy” fam was held this past July and August and gave travel professionals the opportunity to experience New Orleans as it is today. After the visit, the NOMCVB sent participants an online survey and the results were unmistakable—New Orleans is not only ready for visitors, but it also maintains the same level of hospitality and adventure for which the city has become famous.

According to the “Back to the Big Easy” survey, 90 percent of travelers said New Orleans met their expectations. Here are more results from the questionnaire:

  • 98 percent said the “Back to the Big Easy” fam met their expectations
  • 87 percent plan to promote New Orleans travel in 2006
  • 98 percent plan to promote New Orleans travel in 2007

“We were very warmly received by all vendors,” said one “Back to the Big Easy” fam participant. “The [tourist area] is as fun and musical as it ever was, and the people we encountered seemed very glad to have us as visitors. There was a sense of pride from the locals who decided to stay and rebuild that could be felt in our daily interactions every place we went. As a promoter of travel, that is a very good thing to sell to a customer—to know that they will be genuinely well-received and feel good about choosing New Orleans for their destination. Thank you.”

Participants enjoyed three days and two nights in New Orleans, and were able to take a riverboat cruise, dine at fabulous New Orleans restaurants and visit famous city attractions.

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. In 2004, 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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