FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FEBRUARY 3, 2006

Nikki Nicholson
Vice President, Membership
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5076
nnicholson@neworleanscvb.com

Mark Wilson
Director, Sales & Marketing
Royal Sonesta Hotel
President
French Quarter Business Association
504-553-2200
mwilson@royalsonestano.com

Tourism Officials Assure a “Shiny Quarter” for Mardi Gras

Project to clean French Quarter planned for Saturday, February 11

New Orleans, La. – Several hospitality industry partners, including the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB), the French Quarter Business Association (FQBA), Bourbon Street Merchants Association (BSMA) the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (LDCRT) and Keep Louisiana Beautiful have joined forces to present Project Shiny Quarter—a continuing effort to help clean up debris in the French Quarter.

On Saturday, February 11, teams from various tourism-related organizations will meet at the steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal St., at 9 a.m. to receive cleaning assignments and supplies. The teams will work to beautify the Quarter until 2 p.m.

“I am truly delighted by all of the support and involvement this event has received from so many of our citizens and French Quarter businesses,” said Mark Wilson, FQBA president. “The French Quarter is our window to the world and this type of event and support proves that together we can make it happen here in New Orleans. This event will not only demonstrate the commitment and dedication the local business community has for the city, but it will remind people of the beauty that envelops this historic district every day.”

Refreshments will be provided by Community Coffee and Krispy Kreme. Keep Louisiana Beautiful will provide cleaning supplies and t-shirts to commemorate the event.

The Shiny Quarter for Mardi Gras campaign is part of a widespread effort that also includes the Army Corps of Engineers, the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office.

The New Orleans Police Department and the city’s Public Works Department began towing and ticketing illegally parked cars in the French Quarter February 2 and from now on parking laws will be enforced in the city.

Beginning Saturday, February 4 and continuing all month long, Sheriff Marlin Gusman will provide 25 trustees every morning, 6-10 a.m., to bag garbage and debris in the French Quarter. They will be followed, every morning, by Army Corps of Engineers trucks that will pick up the collected garbage. Contributions from Coors Brewing Company and River Parishes Disposal Service are providing the supplies.

The Katrina Krewe, a volunteer-led civic group that has been picking up trash every Wednesday and Saturday for weeks, also has Mardi Gras projects planned. Please visit www.cleanNO.org for more information and to sign up for regular updates. Their pre-Mardi Gras clean-up will be Thursday, February 23 and a post-Mardi Gras project is scheduled for Saturday, March 4.

“The eyes of the world are upon New Orleans, especially in the days and weeks leading up to Mardi Gras,” said Nikki Nicholson, vice president of membership of the NOMCVB. “It is important that we combine efforts to assure that New Orleans is clean and presentable, not only for our visitors, but especially for our residents who deserve a ‘shiny’ city.”

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. Last year, 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.