ASTA announced its plans to contribute to New Orleans' recovery efforts. Working with its Board of Directors and its travel agent and supplier members, ASTA's goal is to boost the city's tourism rates. As a symbol of its ongoing support, ASTA is actively negotiating to hold its upcoming Board of Directors meeting in New Orleans Aug. 6-7. ASTA is also actively negotiating to hold other key internal meetings in the Crescent City over the next 18 months. Last month, ASTA held its Corporate Advisory Council Meeting and the third Premium Member Business Summit in New Orleans.

"This two-fold plan will benefit New Orleans both immediately and in the long run," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. "By holding various meetings in New Orleans, ASTA will bring instant revenue to the city. ASTA members will return home with the knowledge needed to sell New Orleans to those who don't realize this city is open and ready to host new and repeat guests alike."

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. According to the 2000 census, approximately 484,600 residents called New Orleans home. In 2006, the year after Hurricane Katrina, this number was reduced by more than half, as approximately 223,300 individuals resided in the Crescent City. As a result, and despite recent population growth, New Orleans now relies heavily on tourist dollars for revenue.

"ASTA will work diligently to show consumers that despite hardships, New Orleans offers its guests the same charm, warmth and beauty it always has," said William Maloney, CTC, ASTA executive vice president and COO. "A city that offers so much to so many should be given the attention and assistance it deserves; I know the ASTA community is eager to do its part."