NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Visitors are spending more money than ever before in New Orleans history, and they want to see more of the city too, according to Mark Romig President/CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Romig spoke Tuesday at an event hosted by the Public Relations Society of America. Romig and other hospitality leaders discussed how the city’s marketing has changed since Hurricane Katrina.
Romig said prior to Katrina tourists primarily visited the French Quarter, but now visitors say they want to see more than just Jackson Square — they want to see the whole landscape of the city.
“What we did was speak to the visitor in surveys and understand what their needs were and that we are to get beyond the typical and get in to the true fabric of the city, that includes the French Quarter, but that also includes, other great areas like Mid-City, the Bywater and Magazine Street,” Romig explained. “So we were able to diversify our message and our approach, plus with additional resources now we’re able to get that message across all major cities in the United States.”
The city is almost back where it was prior to Katrina, with a growth rate of 2-3% year and year. But New Orleans has passed the spending mark — the tourism industry brought in nearly $6.8 billion last year.
The reception Tuesday was held at the WWII Museum.