National Tourism Week 2013

National Travel and Tourism Week is a tradition celebrated annually since 1984. It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Reagan even signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with ceremonies and activities in their communities.

Every year in mid-May, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with our major tourism partners, join cities across the United States to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week and the industry that employs more than 75,000 locals and brings $6 billion to our city annually. We expect approximately 700 people to attend the luncheon and we have an exciting program planned. To learn more about National Tourism Week, or to see last year’s exciting events, click here.

Tourism Matters A CVB news publication celebrating our city’s most important economic development engine - tourism.more	Power of Tourism New Orleans welcomed 9.01 million visitors in 2012; record numbers not seen in nearly 10 years.more
Tourism Leaders Unite Leaders of the Hospitality Industry come together to reveal the next five-year phase of the city.more	Why Tourism Matters Nine million visitors pass through the Crescent City every year. It’s plain and simple: Tourism Matters to New Orleans!more

	National Tourism Week Business Expo and Luncheon Monday, May 6, 2013 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center The Great Hall 900 Convention Center Blvd. Business Expo: 11:00 a.m. - Noon Lunch: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Click here to register Please note that $5 discounted parking is available in the Whale lot of the Hilton Riverside Hotel during the luncheon.
	GEOFF FREEMAN - KEYNOTE SPEAKER Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for the U.S. Travel Association	KAREN SWENSEN - MASTER OF CEREMONIES Award-winning journalist and WWL-TV anchor
	National Tourism Week Rally Tuesday, May 7, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Free and Open to Public Click here to sign up! Click here for a flyer to distribute to your employees! Parade will start at the Royal Sonesta, 300 Bourbon St. Parade will end with a press conference at Tableau at the Le Petit Theatre, 616 St. Peter St.
	JAY DARDENNE -SPECIAL RALLY GUEST Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor
	Wednesday at the Square May 8 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Continue celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week with us as we host a CVB tent during YLC's Wednesday at the Square on May 8. Prize packages from The New Orleans School of Cooking, Audubon Institute and Deanie's Seafood will be up for grabs along with complimentary Abita beer, food and treats from RPM Fro Yo. Enjoy live music from Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and mingle with CVB staff and other concert attendees. Look for the CVB sign on the back of our tent as well as a fleur de lis flag!