May 12th is being declared THE POWER OF TOURISM IN NEW ORLEANS DAY! You and your employees are strongly urged to participate in a 15-minute Travel Rally from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, when thousands of hospitality workers will take to Canal Street to showcase the importance of tourism to New Orleans, as part of a national effort by U.S. Travel Association to show that Tourism Matters!

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau needs as many participants as possible to show the strength of our industry and celebrate the power of travel to New Orleans' economy, our livelihoods, job creation, our cultural heritage and an enhanced quality of life for every citizen.

We want thousands of hospitality workers to line the street to hold signs proclaiming, I am the Face of Travel! Tourism Matters! Meetings Mean Business! and Travel Means Jobs!

Musicians will parade during the rally. Hospitality workers will hold signs, second line and dance to the sounds of musicians on every corner. (The CVB will provide signs, buttons and second line napkins for everyone.) The Canal Street Streetcar will be part of the celebration. The local media will be invited to cover the event. We will capture everyone on video, which will be sent to the national media.

Details of the exact location will be forthcoming, but please save the date and strongly encourage your employees to participate. For those not located on Canal Street, the CVB will provide complimentary shuttle service from several locations to and from the rally.

Immediately following the rally at 10:30 a.m., hospitality industry leaders will hold a press conference about the Power of Tourism In New Orleans. The National Tourism Week Luncheon and Expo will begin at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center at 11 a.m.

Thanks for your support as we proudly declare May 12th The Power of Tourism in New Orleans Day. Click here to download a flyer for you to post in your employee breakroom and discuss in your staff /departmental meetings.