ASTA’s Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting in New Orleans as a show of support for the Crescent City and as a means of showcasing the city’s recovery to some of the travel agent industry’s key leaders. Contrary to…
ASTA’s Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting in New Orleans as a show of support for the Crescent City and as a means of showcasing the city’s recovery to some of the travel agent industry’s key leaders. Contrary to many negative reports in the media, the city’s most popular tourist areas, such as the French Quarter and the Garden District, were not severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and stand ready to welcome tourists from around the country and globe.
Several key tourism entities in New Orleans, namely the InterContinental New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Lines, Marriott Corp., Marriott on Canal, Marriott Convention Center Hotels, The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, Maison Dupuy Hotel and Dominique’s Restaurant, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and Destination Management Inc., a New Orleans Hospitality Company, generously hosted ASTA’s Board, enabling the group to see for itself how far the city has come in rebuilding its tourism infrastructure.
“The city and people of New Orleans suffered a devastating loss last year, a loss that really affected the entire country,” said Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. “Given the tremendous devastation from Hurricane Katrina, it’s truly amazing how far the city has come in getting back on its feet. The main tourist areas are open for business; jazz is blaring on Bourbon Street and the hotels, restaurants and shops are open and ready to welcome our clients with open arms.”
“What an honor and privilege it is to be here in this great city,” said Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC, president of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) and TravelSellers. “The spirit and resilience one can feel when interacting with the people of this city makes me anxious to go out and spread the word that New Orleans is alive and well and ready for visitors.”
“Visitors to New Orleans will be surrounded by the ‘Let the good times roll’ spirit. Travel agents and their clients will enjoy terrific hotels, gourmet restaurants and great clubs. The people of this great city are here and ready to welcome travelers with open arms,” said Kari Thomas, CTC, of Will Travel in Langhorne, Pa.
“I was very excited to be back in New Orleans after quite a few years, although I have always recommended it to clients. I was anxious to see for myself the current status of New Orleans as a destination,” said Lila Ford, CTC, Gallery of Travel, Inc., Rochester, NY. “Things look like they are getting back to normal; I will be sending clients to New Orleans, especially as a starting point for cruises.”
“The gracious and warm welcome we have received started at the airport and hasn’t stopped. Everyone’s attitude has been ‘we are moving ahead, even if slowly.’ The residents love this city and are working to revitalize it. Everyone seems to be happy we are here and that we are supporting the return of tourism. I can feel a new beginning!” said Mary Peters, CTC, Friendly Travel, Inc./American Express in Alexandria, Va.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
