New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Honored for Excellence in Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Kelly Schulz or Jenn Lotz
New Orleans CVB
504-566-5019
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com/jlotz@neworleanscvb.com

New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Honored for Excellence in Service
Connie Campbell accepts Chairman's Award from Receptive Services Association of America, the industry's leading association dedicated to attracting international travelers

NEW ORLEANS-February 28, 2012- Connie Campbell, Tourism Senior Sales Manager for the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), was presented with the Chairman's Award in the Non-Hotel category at the Receptive Services Association of America's (RSAA), 2012 Stanley Awards, held in New Orleans on February 8, 2012. The award acknowledges the New Orleans CVB, and specifically Campbell, for exceptional service when working with U.S. receptive tour operators, who are responsible for contracting with overseas tour wholesalers to provide customized travel packages for international visitors.

"As a longtime member of RSAA, the New Orleans CVB values its partnership with this vital organization and the U.S. receptive tour operators who are the backbone of this association," said Kim Priez, Vice President of Tourism for the New Orleans CVB. "For more than 21 years, Connie has been dedicated to New Orleans and the CVB by maintaining this beneficial relationship with RSAA members, so it is appropriate that she accepts this award on behalf of our organization."

Nearly 10 percent of New Orleans' annual visitors are comprised of international travelers. Receptive tour operators serve as the essential conduit between U.S. destinations and the international visitor. Because their services minimize the cost of doing business, receptive tour operators directly affect the number of international travelers to the United States and act as a gateway to our country. Due to the New Orleans CVB's solid relationship with these receptives and the city's cultural appeal, New Orleans maintains its position as a top destination for international visitors with its highest visitation from Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

RSAA held their 21^st Annual Summit in New Orleans February 7-8, where nearly 200 participants from around the country participated in interactive educational sessions and held one-on-one appointments. The mission of RSAA is helping receptive operators serve international tour companies through partnerships with North American suppliers.

The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nationally accredited, 1,000-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana. We help create $5 billion in new capital each year- more than any other business sector- by attracting millions of visitors, special events and conventions. The CVB and its members influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services at our New Orleans headquarters and offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago and four foreign countries. Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.neworleanscvb.com/ or follow us at www.facebook.com/neworleanscvb or @New Orleans.

RSAA is a national non-profit trade association whose members include major inbound visit USA receptive tour operators and suppliers (lodging companies, transportation companies, destinations, attractions, restaurants, etc.) from across the country. These receptive tour operators contract with overseas tour wholesalers to provide tourist services throughout the United States for their groups and FIT travelers from abroad. The mission of RSAA is helping receptive operators serve international tour companies through partnerships with North American suppliers.

*Headshot of Connie Campbell available upon request.

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