FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Mary Beth Romig
504-566-5019
mbromig@neworleanscvb.com

Erica Papillion
504-566-5019
epapillion@neworleanscvb.com

New Orleans Featured in CNN and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “America’s Favorite Cities” Survey Results
New Orleans places in the top three of the country’s best in many categories, including best live music, friendliest people and food/dining

NEW ORLEANS – Oct. 17, 2007 – The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (New Orleans CVB) is pleased to announce that New Orleans was featured favorably in many categories of the annual “America’s Favorite Cities” survey sponsored by CNN and Travel + Leisure magazine.

CNN’s Headline News, Travel + Leisure and CNN.com spent three months collecting 60,000 votes, from local residents and visitors, on what they like about 25 urban destinations across the country. Voters were asked for their opinions on culture, shopping, people, food and city characteristics.

New Orleans was voted best in the following categories:

  • After Dark
  • Antiques
  • Cheap Eats
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Flea Markets
  • Fun
  • Girlfriend Getaway
  • Live Music
  • Wild Weekend

New Orleans was voted second-best in the following categories:

  • Big-Name Restaurants
  • Business Trip (That’s Secretly Fun)
  • Food/dining
  • Friendly
  • Gay-friendliness
  • People Watching
  • Vintage (Clothing and Jewelry)

    New Orleans was voted third-best in the following categories:
  • Affordability
  • Coffee
  • Diverse
  • Ethnic Food
  • Singles Scene

These rankings are the latest accomplishments in a string of awards bestowed on a post-Katrina New Orleans. Last December, the city was chosen by Orbitz.com as an “in location” for experience-seeking vacationers and in August 2006, they named New Orleans a future top-five international hotspot. Also in 2006, AAA named New Orleans one of America’s top-ten most walkable cities and Travel + Leisure magazine included New Orleans in its 2007 annual list of “Where to Go Next.” In September, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were chosen by NBC’s Today Show as the second most beautiful place in America.

New Orleans’ tourism industry is thriving. Airlines are adding new flights to Louis Armstrong International Airport; the city has one of the freshest hotel products in the country; the French Quarter is cleaner than it has been in decades and we continue to receive extremely positive testimonials from visitors. Major corporations such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Southwest Airlines and others are investing in New Orleans’ hospitality industry; new restaurants are opening; and festivals are enjoying record-breaking attendance. The time to visit is now!

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB)
The New Orleans CVB is (www.neworleanscvb.com) is the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, tourism. Today the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street and Garden District - not only remains intact, both physically and spiritually, but is thriving. The New Orleans CVB is proudly welcoming visitors and business travelers every day.

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