New Orleans' Hospitality Industry Unites for National Travel and Tourism Week 2012

NEW ORLEANS, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orleans' hospitality industry joins together today in support of the city's economic engine - tourism - which generates $5 billion in economic impact annually and welcomed 8.75 million visitors in 2011. The parade and rally unite members of the New Orleans City Council, hospitality industry leaders, front-line workers and supporters of one of the city's most prosperous industries. New Orleans is one of several cities across the country organizing a travel event in support of National Travel and Tourism Week.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120508/NY02448)

Travel and tourism is one of America's largest industries, directly generating $124 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. One out of every nine jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism, and travel is among the top 10 industries in 48 states and Washington, D.C. in terms of employment.

The Mardi Gras-style parade features marching bands, mini-floats, Mardi Gras Indians, stilt walkers and much more. Beginning at the Hotel Monteleone, the parade travels down Royal Street, turning on Toulouse Street then Chartres Street and ending at the Cabildo in Jackson Square for a press conference, where industry leaders discuss the power of travel.

Press conference speakers included:

• Stephen Perry; President and CEO of New Orleans CVB
• Fred Sawyers; Chairman of New Orleans CVB
• Terry Epton; President of Host Global Alliance
• Elected officials and local dignitaries

National Travel and Tourism Week was first celebrated in 1984 when the US Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983, designating the week to be celebrated annually in May. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities."

WEBSITE: www.neworleanscvb.com/nationaltourismweek or www.ustravel.org/marketing/national-travel-and-tourism-week

MEDIA CONTACTS: New Orleans CVB: Jenn Lotz, 504-376-3253, [email protected]

SOURCE New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau