“We believe that our culture is our greatest strength and that the people of New Orleans create that culture,” said Stephen Perry, president & CEO of New Orleans & Company. “As New Orleans & Company, we are committed to our core mission of ensuring that we are a catalytic force for our industry and drive business growth for thousands of small business owners and significant business enterprises. But, we also have a new mission of connecting with the broader economy, partnering with government on finding solutions to move our city forward, and improving the lives of all of our workforce and all residents in every neighborhood of our city. We are committed to nourishing and sustaining the culture that attracts millions of visitors each year and in doing so improving the quality of life for all of us who call New Orleans home. Our new name embodies the inclusiveness we value, with Company representing our many members and partners, the more than 100,000 employees directly employed in the tourism industry in New Orleans, the culture-bearers and creators who shape and carry on our traditions, and, of course, the visitors we welcome as our guests.”
New Orleans attracts more than 17 million visitors annually, and tourism revenues generate 43 percent of the city’s operating budget though sales tax and property tax, not counting the taxes paid by tens of thousands of hospitality and tourism industry employees as their indirect spending ripples through every facet of the community.
“New Orleans is the most authentic city in the world because of our unique culture. That’s the reason why millions visit each year. It is our responsibility to make sure that our industry continues to attract visitors and their spending continues to add to our economy. Preserving and nourishing our culture is critical to our economy’s growth and our quality of life as New Orleanians. At New Orleans & Company, we are dedicated to ensuring that our local culture-bearers remain an essential part of the hospitality and tourism industry, because without these residents, the city loses its soul,” said Gregory Rusovich, CEO Transoceanic Development, 2018 Chairman of the Board, New Orleans & Company.
The launch of New Orleans & Company also includes the recent launch of a new New Orleans cultural economy and tourism website, www.neworleans.com , that can also become a go-to resource for all locals as well. New Orleans & Company and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation recently combined resources to collapse both of their respective websites into one vastly improved website. This new site provides a better user experience and more comprehensive and visually compelling display of the city’s offerings.
