Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,
Thanks to all of you who attended our State of the Pace presentation this week outlining our 2026 strategies. 2025 has been a year of highs and lows, but together we are writing a story of progress, resilience, and vision.
When I look ahead to 2026 and beyond, I see a city that is ready. Ready to welcome the world. Ready to host events of every size and scale. Ready to grow in ways that lift every neighborhood, every worker, and every business. You can count on the team at New Orleans & Company to continue to lead and adapt as needed.
Everything we do at New Orleans & Company is designed to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Below are some of the high points of the work our team is doing toward our strategic goals.
Strategic Goal One: Deliver the Most Innovative and Exceptional Sales and Service
- Our Convention Sales and Services team is respected nationwide for delivering exceptional sales and service to our customers. Our new issue of Tourism Matters highlights the art and science of their work, which requires sophisticated data analysis, relentless persistence, and years of relationship-building, all while embracing the rich tapestry of New Orleans’ culture. Check out the cover story on page six.
Strategic Goal Two: Make New Orleans a Great Place to Live, Work and Visit
- We proudly launched the fifth annual NOLAxNOLA, which runs today through October 5. NOLAxNOLA features more than 50 different music venues and more than 300 musical performances supporting our local music scene and delivering economic opportunities for our community. New this year, NOLAxNoCover is expanding from a single day of free music to a citywide musical celebration with 84 amazing free shows, making the event accessible for everyone. For more info, visit neworleans.com/nolaxnola.
- New Orleans & Company has partnered with the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) on Serving Up Hospitality, a free five-part training series designed to strengthen both careers and customer experiences throughout the region. The five seminars cover essential industry and life skills, investing in the professionals who deliver exceptional service to guests of our city. For more info, visit www.neworleans.com/nochi.
Strategic Goal Three: Create and Own a Clear, World-Class Brand for New Orleans
- Our fall campaign began running earlier this month to drive leisure visitation in October. We are present in key fly markets: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Austin, New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Little Rock, and drive markets: Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Birmingham, Mobile, Biloxi, Lake Charles, Meridian and Montgomery. A spot targeting luxury travelers is available here, while the ad targeting singles can be viewed here. These ads are complemented by digital display, paid social media and search, and programmatic audio to ensure we’re reaching our potential travelers wherever they consume media.
- Furthering our reputation as a global culinary hot spot, New Orleans & Company has secured the 2026 Americas selections of the Pastry World Cup and Bocuse D’Or, to be held during the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase, July 25-26, 2026. New Orleans became the first US city to host this event in 2024, and it was such a success they are returning next summer. For more information, please visit www.neworleans.com/articles/bocuse.
Strategic Goal Four: Restore International Tourism
- Rachel Funel of our Tourism Sales team joined the Lt. Governor and state partners on an Eastern Canadian Sales Mission to Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, September 14-19, 2025. Our message was clear: Canadian travelers are welcome in New Orleans and Louisiana and we can not wait to welcome them back. The team met with dozens of tour operators and Canadian journalists in 1:1 meetings, as well as networking dinners. They also hosted consumer activations in Toronto and Montreal, celebrating our unique culture, food and shared heritage between Louisiana and Canada.
As the weather finally cools down, there are endless opportunities to enjoy New Orleans culture, from food to sports to festivals. Check out how we are marketing ten reasons to visit New Orleans this fall. If you have not yet submitted your programming for Holidays New Orleans Style 2025, please do so at this link so we can drive visitors and locals your way.
Thanks for your partnership. We will be in touch again soon.
Sincerely,
Walter J. Leger III
President & CEO
New Orleans & Company