What an extraordinary time for the great city of New Orleans

A letter from the New Orleans CVB:  Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu was elected as our next Mayor. Mayor-Elect Landrieu thoroughly understands tourism, meetings and conventions and he will be a tremendous leader and asset to all those who visit and do business here.

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The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl, showcasing our spirit, culture and passion to the world. There is a palpable sense of pride, energy and joy in the city unlike anything that we have ever experienced. The positive global media coverage is unprecedented, click here for some of the best articles and videos: http://www.neworleanscvb.com/articles/index.cfm/action/articles/typeID/32/

My personal favorite is a video titled The Soul of New Orleans, illustrating the renaissance underway in New Orleans which is felt by every citizen and visitor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_K7MZJakm4Narrator Wright Thompson says it perfectly, “They [the people of New Orleans] love the Saints, but not because the team provides distraction from their fall, but because the team is a reflection of their rise. Nothing is more misunderstood about post-Katrina New Orleans than this: the Saints are not a symbol of rebuilding, but of what has been rebuilt.”

CBS’ broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV was the most-watched program in television history, drawing an average of 106.5 million viewers. The previous record was the “MASH” series finale in 1983. Our phones are ringing off the hook with visitors seeking to come to New Orleans for spring festival season.

As if we need another reason to celebrate, it’s Carnival time! Mardi Gras celebrations culminate on Tuesday, February 16th and the city is nearly sold out for this weekend. Today the city is set to host its largest Mardi Gras parade in history for the Saints homecoming victory parade. Crowds began lining the streets this morning and the parade does not roll until 5 p.m.

Thank you all for your support and kind words. It is an incredible time to be in New Orleans and our future has never looked brighter. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,

Stephen Perry

President and CEO

New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau

February 10, 2010   Posted in: United States South