New Developments
 

Dustin Poirier to Finish Career in New Orleans on July 19

UFC 318

UFC legend Dustin Poirier just announced on The Pat McAfee Show that his final fight will take place right here in New Orleans — returning to his home state for one epic farewell! The fight will be his third against Max Holloway. 

As we continue to bring world-class events to our city — from WrestleMania 42, the 2026 Americas selection of Bocuse d’Or & Pastry World Cup, to IPW 2027 and conventions booked into 2040 and beyond — this is another huge win that shows why New Orleans is the destination for champions, celebrations, and unforgettable moments.

We can’t wait to welcome Poirier and UFC fans from around the globe to experience the magic of our city.

Watch the full announcement here.

 

Acamaya named to Conde Nast Traveler's Best New Restaurants in the World: 2025 Hot List

Acamaya
Photo by Denny Culbert, Courtesy of Acamaya

If you’re unfamiliar with chef Ana Castro, that won’t very last long—her star is ascending, and rapidly. Born in Texas and raised in Mexico City, she now calls New Orleans home. NOLA is where she began Acamaya, her modern Mexican restaurant in the Bywater. It’s here in the dimly lit yet high-energy space where Castro cleverly combines the best of both worlds: the mariscos dishes she grew up eating, now made with local seafood plucked from the waters of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Think zippy shrimp aguachile; thick yellow discs of masa crowned with plump lump crab; and flaky fish that has been butterflied and grilled until crispy-skinned and is swimming in a pool of creamy spicy salsa—served with a side of fresh-made tortillas so you can assemble all the DIY tacos your heart (and stomach) desires. Castro’s passion is infectious and her cooking, soulful—she’ll be a household name before you know it. —Omar Mamoon

To view the full list, click here.

 

Neal Bodenheimer's Cure Named to Two Best Bar Lists

Cure

  • Neal Bodenheimer's Cure has secured the 50th spot on North America's 50 Best Bars list, a prestigious honor announced an awards ceremony in Vancouver. This marks Cure's third consecutive year earning a place on this celebrated list--a testament to its continued excellence, impact and staying power, as the bar just celebrated its sixteenth anniversary in February.
  • This recognition comes on the heels of another major milestone: Food & Wine recently named Cure "the best bar in the U.S." as part of its 2025 Global Tastemakers awards, featured in the magazine's May issue.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile will launch soon

Mardi Gras Service Amtrak

  • For the first time in nearly two decades, passenger rail is coming back to the Gulf Coast.
  • The new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will launch soon, offering twice-daily trains between New Orleans and Mobile, with stops in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. It’s a major win for regional mobility, economic growth, and access—connecting communities across three states with reliable, comfortable service.

     

Zurich Insurance has extended its title sponsorship of New Orleans' PGA Tour event through 2030, officials announced Thursday at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. 

  • “We are so pleased that Zurich has extended its title sponsorship of our annual PGA Tour event and thank Zurich’s leadership for their belief in our efforts,” said Mark Romig, board chairman of the Fore!Kids Foundation. “For more than 20 years, our foundation has been privileged to experience Zurich’s inspiring commitment to our community and region, and I know I speak for the dozens of non-profit organizations who directly benefit from Zurich’s generosity. With their support, these organizations work tirelessly to build a better future for children across the region. We are also pleased to continue supporting Zurich’s commitment to creating a more sustainable footprint at our annual event, helping build a better environment for this and future generations.” 
  • The agreement continues Zurich’s partnership with the Fore!Kids Foundation and PGA Tour for another five years, extending a relationship that began in 2005.
  • Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin won the 2025 Zurich Classic in front of a record crowd at TPC Louisiana.

     

Special Announcements

Walt Leger III Selected to Serve on Key National Boards for the Global Tourism Industry

  • Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, has recently been re-appointed to a second term of service on the U.S. Travel Association’s Executive Board. Leger was appointed to the Board of Directors and Trustees of Professional Convention Management Association and the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Advisory Board
  • His leadership experience, prior public policy work and public service and expertise in travel industry ensures New Orleans’ seat at the table on the national and international stage, helping shape critical decisions about the economic power of travel, bringing more meetings, conferences, conventions, and major events, and international visitors to New Orleans, Louisiana and the United States, and fostering commerce, jobs and quality of life.

Awards

  • New Orleans & Company EVP Alice Glenn was named to the New Orleans City Business Power List. The full list is available here.