Welcome to Louisiana

When you make a list of all the unique things Louisiana has to offer visitors, you quickly see the long-lasting influences of French, Spanish and African ancestry and ever-expanding contributions of new ideas in music, architecture, cuisine and more. Here the beauty of the past and the excitement of the future merge for a one-of-a-kind experience that makes the Louisiana joie de vivre unforgettable. Louisiana is home to a rich, unique and authentic culture known throughout the world. Home to Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco and Rocakbilly. Okra gumbo, meat pies and boudin. Creole cottages, wrought iron balconies and majestic plantations. The Atchafalaya cypress swamps and, of course, the Mississippi River.

The vibrant arts community, museums showcasing local and national history and state parks that highlight the natural beauty offer experiences for every taste.

Whether you are exploring the bayous of Cajun Country, the gardens of North Louisiana or the nightlife in New Orleans there is no corner of Louisiana that should go unturned. See what Louisiana has to offer and "laissez les bon temps rouler."

May 2011 Latest News: New Orleans Achieves Major Tourism Milestone

Jody Hanson, Sales Director for New Orleans CVB & Louisiana Office of Tourism in the UK, Ireland and The Netherlands is delighted to announce that New Orleans's 2010 visitor numbers have surpassed pre-Katrina levels. Jody commented "This is fantastic news and we want to thank our travel industry partners, tour operators and travel agents in our markets for their continued faith in New Orleans and Louisiana as a must-see destination in the USA. The city continues to grow from strength to strength attracting visitors with its reputation for unrivalled music, cuisine, history and festivals."

New Orleans' tourism industry has achieved a major milestone, welcoming 8.3 millions visitors in 2010, a 10.7 percent increase over 2009, and the first time to reach 8 million visitors since Katrina. Those 8.3 million visitors spent $5.3 billion, a $1.1 billion increase over 2009 and the highest spending in the city's history, according to a study released today.

The 2010 New Orleans Area Visitor Profile survey is conducted by the University of New Orleans (UNO) Hospitality Research Center for New Orleans destination marketing partners.

Tourism is New Orleans' most important economic engine, emplying 70,000 people and pumping $5 billion in new capital into the city each year, more than any other business sector. Domestic and international visitors spent $9.3 billion in the state of Louisiana in 2010.