FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Kelly Schulz
New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-421-0962 (mobile)
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com

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

Mardi Gras 2007 a Success!
Carnival boosts tourism industry; world sees New Orleans’ culture alive and well

NEW ORLEANS - Feb. 21, 2007 – Mardi Gras 2007 was a resounding success, according to the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB).

Sixty-seven parades rolled through New Orleans’ communities, from the beautiful Garden District to the family- friendly suburbs of Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes, culminating with the traditional line-up of Zulu, Rex, Elks and Crescent City yesterday, February 20.

Fast Facts:

• In 2005, Mardi Gras brought over 1 million revelers to the city; in 2006 that number reached 700,000.
• During the 2007 Carnival Season, preliminary estimates show that Mardi Gras crowds were larger than 2006, between 700,000 and 800,000.
• Area hotels reported a 95 percent occupancy rate throughout this past weekend.
• There are just over 30,000 of 38,000 hotel rooms available in the city. During Mardi Gras 2006, hotel rooms were partially occupied by recovery and insurance personnel. This year, hotels were filled with visitors, bolstering New Orleans’ top industry, tourism.
• This year’s success insures the future of tourism in New Orleans and further illustrates the city’s ability to successfully and safely host large numbers of visitors.

“Mardi Gras 2007 exceeded our expectations,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the NOMCVB. “Crowds of families, visitors and locals showed up in massive numbers, making Mardi Gras feel the same as it did before Hurricane Katrina. Mardi Gras 2007 sends a message to the world that ‘soul is waterproof’ and the New Orleans experience is alive and well.”

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) is the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, tourism, which generates $5 billion in visitor spending and creates 85,000 jobs. Today the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street and Garden District - not only remains intact, both physically and spiritually, but is thriving. The New Orleans CVB is proudly welcoming visitors and business travelers every day.

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