FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Mary Beth Romig
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5050
mbromig@neworleanscvb.com

Erica Papillion
504-566-5044
epapillion@neworleanscvb.com

New Orleans Named Top Destination by AAA and Orbitz.com

NEW ORLEANS – Aug. 2, 2006 – Exemplifying the continued success of its leading industry —tourism — New Orleans has been recognized as a top destination in “best of” lists by leading travel industry organizations. AAA named New Orleans one of America’s top-ten most walkable cities, while Orbitz.com named New Orleans a future top-five international hotspot.

“For reasons both practical and exotic, New Orleans is an incredibly appealing travel destination,” said Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). “These honors, along with the successes of Mardi Gras, Jazzfest and the many meetings and conventions taking place in the city, truly prove the New Orleans hospitality experience is alive and well.”

AAA’s list of America’s top ten most walkable cities offers travelers the opportunity to get away while preserving fuel and lowering vacation costs. The list places the historical attractions of New Orleans in the ranks of Boston, San Francisco and Greenwich Village. Orbitz.com’s “Insider Staff Picks” predict New Orleans will continue to be a tourism hotspot and will, in the next five years, surge to the top of a list that includes Shanghai, Reykjavik and Cape Town.

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) Since 1960, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) has been the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, attracting $4.9 billion to the region annually. Nationally recognized for superior customer service, NOMCVB represents over 1,200 members and provides convention services and visitor information for business travelers and vacationers. In 2004, the NOMCVB welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors to one of America's favorite meeting and leisure destinations. The NOMCVB is committed to rebuilding the city of New Orleans.