Open Discussion on the State of Tourism with Stephen Perry

GNOEA met via Zoom on Tuesday August 11 for organization updates and to discuss the state of Greater New Orleans Tourism with Stephen Perry, CEO of New Orleans and Company.

There are many challenges ahead for New Orleans tourism and the businesses and employees that support the industry.  The convention center is currently holding onto 2021 reservations, but that will be contingent on future Covid infection rates and government response.  According to Perry, 43% of New Orleans’ sales tax is generated from visitors.  This is concerning for a city that typically averages 18 million visitors a year.  Of the 108,000 tourism-related employees, approximately 55,000 still remain on unemployment.  Perry estimates that it could be as late as Spring 2024 for tourism to get back to normal.  On a positive note, he emphasized that New Orleans hotels and restaurants are taking cleaning and disinfecting seriously and are cleaner than ever. He encouraged members to skip Amazon and shop and dine locally.  The organization is using a portion of its budget to promote patronization of local businesses.

Thank you Stephen Perry for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with GNOEA.

Membership News

Potential Members –

Paul Begue
Atlantic Pacific Jane
Category: Hydroponic Farms

Darin Yuratich
Yur Event Rentals
Category: Event Rentals

The membership committee is currently reviewing additional applications of potential members interested in joining GNOEA.  These candidates will be introduced at upcoming meetings. If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Julie Couret at membership@gnoea.com

A list of open classifications can be found here.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

8/18 – Virtual – Todd Clower, Harbor Towing & Fleeting
8/18 – Virtual – BOARD MEETING
8/25 – Virtual – Philip Rebowe, CPA, Postlethwaite & Netterville and Tim Scott, Labor Attorney, Fischer & Phillips
9/1 – Virtual – Richard Juge, CCIM, SIOR, RE/MAX Commercial Brokers
9/8 – NO MEETING
9/15 – Virtual – Program – TBA
9/22 – Virtual – Ed Webb, World Trade Center
9/22 – Virtual – BOARD MEETING

Please login and view the Calendar for meeting login details.

Please contact Brien Lundin, President-Elect / Programs Chair if you would like to be added to the presentation schedule or would like to recommend a speaker.