New Orleans' monthly Media Update covers the latest travel and tourism developments around town. Please email communications@neworleans.com to be added to our media mailing list.
What’s New in New Orleans Hospitality Industry
Top Six Reasons to Visit New Orleans in 2026:
Rockin’1000
For the first time ever, Rockin’ 1000 - the globally renowned music event that unites 1,000 musicians of all skill levels together for the concert of their lives - is coming to the United States with New Orleans serving as its North American debut destination. The concert will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome and feature 1,000 musicians, picked through an open audition process. They will play a curated setlist of timeless rock anthems and fan favorites, fulfilling their lifelong dreams of playing in front of thousands of people.
This landmark event not only underscores New Orleans’ status as a world-class music and cultural capital but reflects our ongoing efforts to position our city at the center of global tourism, creativity and community, while showcasing that New Orleans is truly Built to Host. To view the launch video, click here. The press release is available here. As spots are limited, interested musicians of all skill levels can join the band at www.rockin1000.com/join-the-band. Tickets are available at www.neworleans.com/rockin1000.
Mardi Gras Falls Over a U.S. Holiday Weekend
In 2026, the second weekend of Mardi Gras falls over Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, presenting an expanded opportunity for visitors to travel to New Orleans. The first big weekend of parades is Friday, February 6, through Sunday, February 8. There will be seven consecutive days of parades starting Wednesday, February 11 running through Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, February 17.
With Lundi Gras, the Monday before Mardi Gras Day, falling on a U.S. holiday (Presidents’ Day) this year, this is a perfect opportunity for visitors to stay in New Orleans through the three-day holiday weekend and Mardi Gras Day.
Sail 250 Sail 250 will be coming to New Orleans May 28 – June 1. New Orleans will be the first stop as America welcomes tall ships from around the world to the Port of New Orleans to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. There will be a welcome parade, a downtown fireworks show, multiple family activities and the ability to tour several of the tall ships. For more info, visit www.sail250neworleans.com.
Golf! The Zurich Classic, one of the most popular and unique events on the annual PGA Tour, and a major annual event on our spring calendar, will be held at TPC Louisiana on April 20-26. Professional golf had its start in New Orleans in 1938 and has been held annually since 1958. Produced by the Fore!Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which raises money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events – like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Fore!Kids has raised just over $54 million to date, providing healthcare, education and hope for over 200,000 children each year.
LIV Golf announced LIV Golf Louisiana at the Bayou Oaks Golf Course in City Park June 26-28. 13 teams featuring 54 golfers, with no cut line, will compete in New Orleans at LIV Golf’s first event in Louisiana. To buy tickets, visit events.livgolf.com/louisiana.
Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup
The Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pasty World Cup will be held in July 2026 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The best chefs and pastry artists from across North and South America will be in New Orleans competing for a coveted place in the Grand Finale in Lyon, France in 2027, where they will join colleagues from Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Last hosted by New Orleans in 2024, no other United States city has hosted either event.
A new twist is that Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup will be held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Showcase, the largest restaurant and hospitality industry tradeshow in the U.S. Gulf Region.
A Quick Trip from FIFA World Cup Cities
With the World Cup being hosted in North America during the summer of 2026, New Orleans is uniquely positioned as a drive market with plenty of direct flights to several host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.
NEWSWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS
In 2026, Audubon Nature Institute’s Riverfront for All project will debut, transforming working wharfs into a public park and recreational facility. It will link Crescent Park to the Moonwalk, creating 2.25 miles of contiguous park space along the Mississippi River for the first time in generations.
Work already is underway to promote New Orleans as the host city for IPW 2027, a US Travel Association event. This is a huge win for our city, state and economy since IPW will bring thousands of international travel buyers and media to the city and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. IPW is a business-first trade event, with over 100,000 pre-scheduled business appointments connecting 1,400 global travel buyers and press with 1,000+ U.S. exhibitors. Thousands of travel professionals representing 70+ countries participate in total.
Each IPW drives nearly 11 million international visitors to the U.S. over three years—generating an estimated $26.1 billion in spending.
IPW also drives new business. After attending, more than 60% of buyers say they plan to book destinations they hadn’t considered before. It’s where deals are made—and where the world discovers what makes travel to the U.S. unforgettable.
Vision 2035, a ten-year systems plan for the Greater New Orleans area, is in development in partnership with some of the most respected cross-sector organizations in our community: New Orleans & Company, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Urban League of Louisiana, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Economic Development Commission, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. The guiding principle for this plan is clear: If New Orleans is a great place to live, learn, and work, it will be a great place to visit.
Our partners at trepwise, a strategy consulting firm that aligns people, process, and vision for purpose-driven organizations, conducted more than 70 1:1 interviews with civic leaders and employers, sixty nonprofit leaders and employers participated in five roundtable sessions, and 120+ community members engaged during three community sessions to ensure diverse perspectives and collaboration.
Currently in a final draft review, we will be rolling out this transformational plan over the next two to three quarters. We believe we are well-positioned to influence all the critical sectors region-wide to achieve success.
City Park - City Park Conservancy (CPC) is embracing the future of New Orleans City Park, unveiling City Park 2050 – a bold, long-term Park plan that will help guide the Park’s growth and development for the next two decades. City Park 2050 establishes an innovative and thoughtful roadmap for City Park’s future – one that will prioritize the greater good, address community needs, preserve historical and cultural context, strengthen environmental resiliency, and foster a welcoming sense of place for generations of Park users and visitors.
The plan lays out a clear path for restoration and improvements throughout the entire park, including native landscape and infrastructure upgrades, new trails and pathways, lagoon- and water-system enhancements, and creating new and improving existing both recreational and community gathering spaces. Additionally, the plan calls for building inclusive features that focus on enhanced accessibility, sustainability, equity and cross-generational connection.
In September 2025, the River District NOLA team provided an update on the River District development project. Shell Riverside is officially underway and taking shape at 1600 Convention Center Blvd., the first Class A office building constructed in New Orleans since 1989. They remain on track with Infrastructure Construction and are scheduled to complete the first phase mid-2026. The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience Museum is on track to break ground in 2026, paving the way for a $165 million cultural destination at the River District.
WWE Money In The Bank 2026 to be held in New Orleans: Money in the Bank will make its return to New Orleans in 2026, on September 6th giving fans another premium live sporting event to look forward to.
MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS
In recognition of its sustainability achievements, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has earned its second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, making it one of only two convention centers in the country to be certified Gold twice in a row. LEED is a globally recognized building rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, green buildings based on standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and waste reduction.
Built to Host, the convention marketing brand created by New Orleans & Company, will continue to evolve in 2026. Our team will unveil a new video on the main stage at the annual meeting of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders gathering in January 2026.
In 2026, we have several citywide conventions on the calendar including the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session and the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition.
HOTEL NEWS
The Hilton Riverside received permitting and started a nearly $14 million renovation to the guestrooms, guestroom bathrooms, parlor rooms, corridors, elevator lobbies, and vending areas of the Hilton Riverside New Orleans main side building one. The work includes, but is not limited to replacing floor, wall, and ceiling finishes, along with removal of new fixtures, furniture, equipment and updates to existing ADA guest rooms.
The Omni Royal Orleans is undergoing a renovation to be completed in early 2026. The renovation involves a full upgrade of guest-facing spaces and event areas while preserving the building’s historic character. Work includes the construction of a new lobby bar, music lounge, coffee shop, and a fully renovated ballroom, along with the addition of a rooftop bar and pool. For more information, click here.
In January 2025, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority approved a headquarters hotel development agreement and ground lease agreement with Omni Hotels & Resorts (Omni) to develop a 1,000-room headquarters hotel projected to be transformative for the city, region and state. These agreements allow Omni to move forward with development as owner and operator of a headquarters hotel across the street from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Construction is expected to start in 2026. The hotel is anticipated to open in 2029.
In early 2026, Hilton New Orleans on St. Charles Ave will begin an extensive, property-wide renovation led by HRI’s Hospitality in-house construction team, HCI Construction. The project will update all public areas, meeting and event spaces, and guest rooms, including the new presidential suites and a reimagined lobby bar. For more information, click here.
The Marriott Warehouse Arts District opened following a major redevelopment featuring redesigned guestrooms and bathrooms, a new Presidential Suite, a Greatroom lobby, a 24-hour speakeasy-style M Club, 21 updated meeting spaces, two reimagined ballrooms, and a bright private event space with an adjacent art gallery.
The former Bank of New Orleans building has two new properties inside, the Fairmont Hotel & Resort and the Element by Marriott. The Fairmont is an 18-story luxury hotel with 250 guestrooms (including 40 suites), 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a 10,000 sq. ft. Spa. The Element by Marriott was developed with 216 extended-stay guestrooms as part of the same luxury, upscale project at the former Bank of New Orleans building.
The JW Marriott completed a redesign of its 22 meeting and event spaces totaling over 24,000 sq. ft., featuring sustainable upgrades, including the Vieux Carré Grand Ballroom with a balcony overlook, the Promenade Room, and the Orleans Room.
CULINARY NEWS AND NEW RESTAURANTS
New Orleans was well represented at the MICHELIN Guide to the American South Ceremony in November. Emeril's was awarded Two MICHELIN Starts while Saint German and Zasu were awarded One MICHELIN Star each. Chef EJ Lagasse was awarded the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.
11 New Orleans restaurants were named to the Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for offering great food at a great value.
18 New Orleans restaurants were also named to the MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants list.
To view full lists of Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants, click here.
In September, two New Orleans restaurants were recognized at the inaugural North America’s 50 Best. Dakar NOLA was named #6 and “Best Restaurant in the South USA” while Emeril’s, now run by EJ Lagasse, was named #30.
Late Spring/Summer 2025 Openings
Delacroix, by BRG Hospitality and located on the picturesque Mississippi Riverfront in downtown New Orleans, opened in September 2025. The restaurant draws inspiration from the charm and heritage of Delacroix, Louisiana, known for its rich fishing culture and vibrant community spirit. As a refined take on the classic fish camp and bar, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy the essence of coastal dining with a touch of Southern elegance.
The Kingsway is Chef Ashwin Vilkhu's (of Saffron) first solo venture. A contemporary Asian tasting menu, each dish is an homage to memory and a celebration of Asian cuisine and culture. Choose from menu items like Scallion Lamb, Duck Breast à L’Orange, Izakaya Steak, and Key Lime Pie to build your personalized meal. Pair that with a warm, bright atmosphere and top-notch service, and you've got yourself a meal to remember.
Saint Claire is a full-service restaurant and bar located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. From Chef Melissa M. Martin of Mosquito Supper Club comes this fine-dining experience that specializes in seafood. Nestled under an old oak grove that ensures a magical and inclusive space for events of all kinds, Saint Claire wants its guests to lose themselves for a moment in what seems to be an impossible property in the city.
Part restaurant, part pool hangout spot, Lost Coyote is the hottest new restaurant on the block. Enjoy casual afternoons and vibrant evenings poolside or opt to stay indoors and dine on their menu, which is far from beach snack shack vibes.
Steak tartare, fish collars, sticky duck wings, chicken liver rigatoni … Evviva is one for the adventurous eater. Located in the Marigny, Evviva offers dinner most days of the week. The menu changes often—but don’t skip Velma Gene’s Anchovy Bread at this unassuming spot.
Late Winter/Early Spring 2025 Openings
From the team behind Devil Moon BBQ and Brewery Saint X, Junebug is a late-night dining destination in downtown New Orleans. With Chef Shannon Bingham at its helm, expect a compact menu of French & Creole plates that'll run the gamut from savory snacks to decadent sandwiches and playful takes on old favorites. The restaurant pays homage to New Orleans jazz giants through playful yet elegant décor.
Here Today Rotisserie is a chicken joint from the same team behind the Uptown classic restaurant, Coquette. Enjoy half and whole chicken dinners, plus rotisserie chicken rice bowls, chicken schnitzel sandwiches, and chicken and andouille gumbo. The restaurant is currently open for takeout and delivery with a dine-in service launching soon.
From the team behind plates, Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar serves the finest in fresh Gulf seafood. Think: wild Gulf oysters, Gulf tuna crudo, and a “seafood plateaux” with raw and premium Gulf oysters, tuna dip, snapper ceviche, and shrimp escabeche.
Patula is a quaint café located on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Enjoy coffee and pastries from Ayu Bakehouse in the morning hours and nosh on Caesar salads, ham sandwiches, and other small plates as the day wears on. Retreat to their secluded courtyard on a busy day in the Quarter for a well-earned break.
From the chefs at recently shuttered Carmo comes a dining destination of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, formally known as Nikkei. Nikkei Izakaya is a casual restaurant has found a home in the Broadside, an outdoor live music venue.
From the sushi chef at Shogun comes Kuro. The specialty is dressed nigiri, with fish pressed into rice and a dash of sauces, making colorful plates out of tuna, salmon, snapper, and scallops. The set-up allows you to watch the chefs as they work, lending to a delicious and entertaining dining experience.
From James Beard: Semifinalist Chef Melissa Araujo comes the second location of her signature Honduran restaurant, Alma. Enjoy all-day brunch, freshly shucked oysters, and sophisticated cocktails.
Avegno, an extension of Gautreau’s, is a far more casual bar offshoot with a no-reservation policy. That means you can simply stop in for a drink, share a plate or two, and enjoy the ambiance of the space.
The Bon Ton, est. 1877, originally welcomed sailors and maritime workers from the nearby docks. Nearly 150 years later, the restaurant is reimagined to be Bon Ton Prime Rib. Enjoy New Orleans classics, like BBQ shrimp, alongside USDA Prime-only steaks. It’s the ultimate surf-and-turf inside the historic 1840s Natchez building.
CRUISES
Carnival continues to be the only cruise line with two ships homeported year-round in New Orleans and is moving the larger Carnival Dream back to Port NOLA in May 2027, joining Carnival Liberty. Carnival Dream can accommodate more than 4,600 guests and offers a wide variety of signature Carnival experiences.
In the fall, Norwegian Cruise Line debuted a new 5,000-passenger vessel out of the Port of New Orleans. In 2026, Royal Caribbean will be replacing its current ship with one that is 50% larger.
RAILROAD
In August, Amtrak launched the Mardi Gras Service, a new line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama via a series of stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, providing an exciting opportunity for easy getaways, quick day trips, and car-free "roadtrips" at a super affordable price point. The Amtrak station, Union Passenger Terminal, is in a convenient location as it's a short walk to the Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center on game days and for concerts, a quick taxi or rideshare to the French Quarter, or travelers can hop aboard the streetcar, which picks up right across from the entrance. For more, visit www.neworleans.com/amtrakdeals2025.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
In April 2025, the National WWII Museum broke ground on the Floyd Education and Collections Building on Magazine Street. The new complex that will support the Museum’s growing efforts to produce more exhibits, continue preserving its macro-artifacts and expand its leadership programs. The new pavilion at 1042–60 Magazine Street is made possible through a $7.5 million gift from longtime Museum supporters Timber and Peggy Floyd.
In 2026, the Historic New Orleans Collection is set to host five exhibitions and events. The Trail They Blazed (June 6, 2025-June 7, 2026) highlights New Orlean’s Civil Rights history, while New Orleans Musicians in Art: Selections from the Permanent Collection (Nov 4, 2025-Nov 8, 2026) showcases works inspired by the city’s musical legacy. The spring will feature the Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference on March 27, 2026, and later in the year, Don’t be Boring: The Life, Art, and Obsessions of Bunny Matthews (Sep 18, 2026-May 9, 2027) will celebrate the life and cultural impact of the beloved New Orleans cartoonist.
The New Orleans Museum of Art’s 2026 season includes Nicolas Floc’h: Fleuves-Océan, Mississippi Watershed (April 30, 2025–March 1, 2026) showcases photographic and sculptural works on the Mississippi River system and ecological change. Later in the year, The View From Here: Women Photographers of the American Landscape (July 25, 2025–January 4, 2026) highlights women artists’ perspectives on America’s diverse and evolving landscapes.
AIRLINES AND AIRPORT
In 2025, for the fourth year in a row, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was named Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by the Airports Council International World's 2024 Airport Service Quality program. Now, with an eye toward the future, the airport is mapping out plans for the next 20 years of growth, which could include additional passenger terminal space, more efficient roadways, expanded cargo operations, an aircraft maintenance facility, and more.
Frontier Airlines will add four new nonstop flights from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport starting in February 2026. Frontier will be flying to and from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
For Mardi Gras 2026, Frontier Airlines announced an expanded schedule, including 12 new routes and 22 total cities across the US tying them directly to New Orleans, from February 12th through the 22nd.
New Orleans was named as one of the top destinations in the U.S. to visit in…
About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world. For more information, visit us at neworleans.com or on social media @VisitNewOrleans or @Neworleansandco.
New Orleans & Company has curated a wide range of video and photography assets to promote New Orleans as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
In 2018, New Orleans welcomed 18.51 million visitors, a 4.29 percent increase in visitors compared to the previous year. The city also saw a 3.91 percent increase in total visitor spending of…
