For Immediate Release:
Media Contacts:
Vicki Bristol, NOCVB, 504-566-5098, vbristol@neworleanscvb.com
Lea Sinclair, NOTMC, 504-491-5330, lea@notmc.com

 

NEW ORLEANS - July 16, 2014 - New Orleans continues to enthrall visitors and garner international recognition being named a 2014 "World's Best City" by the readers of Travel + Leisure. New Orleans is one of two American cities to make the top 10 "World's Best Cities" list and is ranked among top travel destinations such as Kyoto, Florence, Siem Reap, Rome, Barcelona, Mexico City and others. Additionally, the city is named the number two travel destination in the U.S., second only to Charleston.

Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" is an annual readers choice award that extends to destinations, hotels, airports and more. In an interview about the awards, Travel + Leisure Editor-In-Chief Nancy Novogrod attributes the placement of three southern cities (Charleston, New Orleans and Savannah, respectively) at the top of the U.S. list to the "sense of ease and authenticity" that travelers find in those destinations. New Orleans takes particular pride in the authenticity of its culture and shares it with visitors.

"This prestigious ranking as a world-class destination tells us what we have already known about New Orleans - that the city is like no other. It's not just the hospitality - it's the rich cultural experience that makes people remember New Orleans and come back again and again," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

"Only in New Orleans can you walk a few simple steps from your hotel to hear a jazz musician on the street or in a club, enjoy world-class cuisine from the country's most celebrated and unique restaurants and be inspired by the historic French and Spanish architecture found only in our city," said Stephen Perry, President and CEO, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This recognition from such a renowned and respected evaluator of world destinations trumpets not only the unequalled hospitality and authenticity of New Orleans, but the very passion shown to visitors by everyone in the tourism industry on a daily basis... from the musicians to the busboys, the chefs to the bellmen and housekeepers. We celebrate life and the travel experience here, and awards like this make us all proud."

"New Orleans is uniquely able to meet the needs of its visitors by offering a truly authentic experience for everyone who travels here. Our Follow Your NOLA campaign encourages experiential travelers to visit the city's diverse neighborhoods on their own terms, and takes advantage of the ease and walkability of the city," said Mark Romig, President and CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.

The designation as a "World's Best City" is New Orleans' most recent accomplishment in a string of accolades including a "Must See Destination for 2014" by National Geographic, a "Best American City for Foodies" by Condé Nast Traveler, one of "Six Trips That Will Change Your Life" by Coastal Living Magazine and more.


More information on Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Cities" and a complete list of winners can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-cities-2014-winners-list.


The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nationally accredited, 1,100-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana. 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., Chicago and four foreign countries. Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB celebrates its 54th anniversary in 2014. For more information, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com; www.facebook.com/neworleans; www.twitter.com/neworleans.


About New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC)
NOTMC promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year. Annually, NOTMC's marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and public relations. Websites: NewOrleansOnline.com; followyournola.com; GoNOLA.com; Facebook.com/NewOrleans; Twitter.com/visitneworleans; Instagram.com/VisitNewOrleans; YouTube.com/gonolatv

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