National Geographic Traveler Names New Orleans a Top Destination in the World for 2014

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- National Geographic Traveler presents New Orleans as one of the 21 must-see destinations in the world for 2014 in their December 2013/January 2014 issue. Ranked among destinations such as Alentejo, Portugal; Sochi, Russia; and the West African island nation of Cabo Verde, New Orleans is one of only two cities in the United States to make this list. According to National Geographic Traveler, the list reflects the most exceptional destinations in the world of travel today.

"This National Geographic recognition is further proof that New Orleans is one of the best destinations on the planet and that our city is coming back strong," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "It's a testament to the thousands of people working behind the scenes every day to make sure our visitors have the most vibrant, authentic and culturally rich experience that any city has to offer."

"New Orleans ranking among the top cities in the world puts the city in the international spotlight as a travel destination. National Geographic Traveler is a top publication for travel enthusiasts and we are honored to be selected as one of the most authentic and culturally rich cities in the world," said Stephen Perry, New Orleans Convention and Visitor's Bureau President and CEO.

"We know that being named a top world destination will enhance international visitation to our truly authentic and historically significant city," said Mark Romig, President and CEO, New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation. "What we have to offer in a visit to New Orleans is a unique and memorable experience that is unmatched in North America."

For more information, visit travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2014.

Also, in the December 2013 issue, Travel + Leisure (T+L) Magazine revealed the results of their 2013 America's Favorite Cities survey, which asked online readers to rate 35 cities across the country in a number of different categories. New Orleans ranked number one in: Live Music Scene, Happy Hour, People-Watching, Wild Weekends, Cocktail Lounges and more.

According to visitors, New Orleans also ranked number one in a range of sub-categories, including most offbeat people, romantic escape, antique stores, cool souvenirs and range of hotel options. For the second year in a row, T+L also reported that New Orleanians are most proud of their city compared to residents of the other 34 cities in the survey.

Complete survey results can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2013.

The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nationally accredited, 1,100-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana. The CVB and its members influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services at our New Orleans headquarters and offices in Washington, D.C., Chicago and four foreign countries. Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB celebrated its 53rd anniversary in 2013. For more information, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com; www.facebook.com/neworleanscvb; www.twitter.com/neworleans.

About New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC)
NOTMC promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year. Annually, NOTMC's marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and public relations. Websites: NewOrleansOnline.com; NewOrleansMuseums.com; GoNOLA.com; RadioFreeNewOrleans.com. Social Media: Facebook.com/NewOrleansOnline; Twitter.com/visitneworleans; YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/gonolatv.

SOURCE New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau