Tourism Sales

The Tourism Sales team at New Orleans & Company promotes the city as a top leisure destination for domestic and international audiences, including receptive operators, tour operators, travel agents, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and social group tour companies. A key focus is attracting international visitors who stay longer, spend more, and spread positive word-of-mouth recommendations. The team employs a comprehensive strategy of trade shows, sales missions, trainings, familiarization tours, and in-market promotions to drive sustainable growth. 

Key Tourism Goals and Accomplishments

The Tourism Sales team consistently exceeds its annual goals, generating room night bookings and leads that support local hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail businesses. These efforts help fill gaps in the visitor and group travel calendar, contributing to the city's economic success.

Domestic Travel Success: Cruising from New Orleans

New Orleans continues to thrive as a premier cruise port for both river and ocean cruises. Major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, and Viking River Cruises offer sought-after sailings from the Port of New Orleans. Visitors often extend their trips, with pre- or post-cruise stays enhancing the city’s tourism economy. Travel advisors play a significant role in these bookings, ensuring travelers experience the best of New Orleans.

Supporting Travel Professionals, Tour Operators, and Cruise Sales

The Tourism Sales team actively engages travel professionals through trade shows, seminars, and educational programs. Initiatives like the Travel Advisor VIP Pass and the Cruise Coupon Program encourage travel advisors to promote New Orleans.

Highlights:

  • Registered thousands of travel professionals for educational trips.
  • Attended cruise and advisor-focused trade shows to build passenger demand.
  • Conducted specialized seminars and training sessions.

Tour Operator Engagement

Tour operators remain vital partners, creating group itineraries and stand-alone New Orleans experiences. The team attends trade shows and holds one-on-one meetings to drive group bookings. 

Social Groups – Reunions, Celebrations, Students, and Weddings

For social group planners, who often require additional support, the team provides guidance and toolkits to streamline event planning, from reunions to destination weddings. The tourism team offers complimentary planning assistance for groups of any kind. Allow us to assist in contacting hotels, venues and vendors for your group accommodations of 10 or more!

International Sales and Market Expansion

New Orleans & Company maintains strong relationships with international representation in key markets all around the globe. 

We partner with the Louisiana Office of Tourism and Travel South on joint efforts to promote New Orleans internationally through their representation companies in Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands  

The tourism team also manages international representation companies in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Australia/New Zealand, and India that offer day-to-day sales and marketing assistance. 

We also implement a strategic plan for the Rhythms of the South partnership with Nashville, Atlanta, and New Orleans in the UK and Australia.  

Trade Shows & Sales Missions

The team conducts sales missions, client meetings, and trade show participation worldwide to promote New Orleans.

Highlights include:

  • Collaboration with Brand USA and Travel South Global Summit to attract international visitors.
  • Partnering with British Airways on campaigns supporting direct flights.
  • Successful engagements at key events like IPW and World Travel Market.

Marketing & Promotions

Strategic advertising and promotions in domestic and international markets keep New Orleans top-of-mind. Unique initiatives include: 

  • A National Geographic Food Magazine campaign.
  • Creative partnerships, such as a New Orleans-themed lamp launch in Germany.
  • Participation in events like the Brighton Pride Parade, showcasing the city’s inclusive culture.

COOLinary New Orleans

The annual COOLinary New Orleans program continues to spotlight the city’s vibrant culinary scene, drawing thousands of visitors to enjoy special dining experiences at participating restaurants.

Recognition and Awards

The success of New Orleans & Company is reflected in accolades from travel professionals and industry leaders. Recent honors include:

  • Best Culinary Destination 2004 – Domestic (Silver)
  • Best U.S. City – Domestic (Silver)

These achievements affirm New Orleans as a leading travel destination and highlight the ongoing efforts of New Orleans & Company to share the city’s unique culture, hospitality, and experiences with the world.