New record-setting high point for New Orleans tourism since pandemic

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of New Orleans is reporting a major tourism milestone.

Officials with New Orleans and Company announced that in 2024, visitation in the city exceeded the 19 million mark for only the second time in history.

A study conducted by New Orleans and Company revealed, the city welcomed 19.08 million visitors in 2024, a 6.4% increase from 2023s 17.93 million visitors and close to the 19.75 million point from 2019.

Additionally, the visitors spent $10.4 billion which is an 8.4% increase from 2023’s $9.6 billion and 2019’s high of $10.045 billion.

Hotel bookings also increased by 6.4%.

I consider 2024 a defining year in our mission to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city. This kind of growth doesn’t happen without implementing successful strategies across multiple sectors of visitors simultaneously, especially in such a competitive environment. It is a direct result of the diligent planning and innovative strategies in sales and marketing employed by the team at New Orleans & Company and our strategic partners throughout the community. Our ongoing efforts to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world are creating a positive impact at the local and state level. As visitor spending helps businesses and their employees thrive, they re-invest in our community and strengthen our economy. And when New Orleans’ travel industry thrives, so does the state of Louisiana.

Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company.

More than 80,000 people in the city are employees of the tourism and hospitality industry. The tax revenue paid by visitors allows “tens of millions of dollars” to be spent on education, infrastructure and public safety for communities.

The October 2024 three-night Taylor Swift Era’s Tour is credited with bringing more than 150,000 visitors, bringing a “record-setting” 32,134 passengers to the Louis Armstrong International Airport, selling out hotels, generating at least $200 million and had an economical impact of $500 million.

Other events credited for the spike include:

• International WorkBoat Show
• The Pokémon North America International Championships
• Over 1,000 conventions, meetings and leisure groups
• The 30th Anniversary of Essence Festival of Culture

Additionally, New Orleans has been ranked third in the nation as a top convention destination.

“New Orleans is a city built on hospitality, the industry that forms the foundation of our economy and fuels our quality of life. And that is what inspires our work at New Orleans & Company. Halfway into 2025, we are actively building on that positive momentum as we work every day to drive leisure and business travel to our city, for the benefit of the people who call it home,” said Leger.

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