Stephen Parry, President and Chief Executive, New Orleans CVB, has revealed plans for the next IPW event, being hosted in New Orleans from 18th – 22nd June 2016. This is the first time the international travel industry event will return to the city since 2002. He also pointed out that there are more than 500 new restaurants, offering meals at all price levels.
“New Orleans is one of America’s most culturally rich and authentic destinations, known for our original food, soul-stirring music, historic architecture and overall joie de vivre,” he said. “We are thrilled to have our friends from all over the world experience New Orleans firsthand so that they can inspire their customers to bring business to the city and the entire state of Louisiana.”
IPW is the US Travel Association’s annual event to showcase US destinations to the international marketplace, and is attended by more than 4,000 travel professionals. Independent research shows that the return on investment for the host city from these travel trade events has been recognised as an increase in international visitors year-over-year.
The timing of these events could not be better for New Orleans, as it prepares for its bicentennial celebration in 2018. IPW 2016 will showcase New Orleans’ rich history and blend of cultures while also highlighting recent developments over the past 10 years, including new music venues, celebrity chefs and award-winning restaurants, expansions to the city’s cultural institutions, new hotels and more.
“In no other city in America can you experience a 175-year-old legendary Creole restaurant one night and the latest James Beard Award-winner for best new restaurant the following night. New Orleans is a timeless place where history and innovation mingle together in symbiotic harmony,” added Stephen.
With the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport well into development of a new, world-class airport terminal complex, New Orleans is poised to increase international visitation as a premier world-class destination and the global gateway to the rest of the state.
