New Orleans Turns World Cup Buzz and Summer Events Into Tourism Win

New Orleans is using the World Cup to draw international fans into the city, even though it is not hosting any matches. Alice Glenn with New Orleans & Company says the city targeted fans in nearby host markets like Houston and Dallas with digital and social media ads, encouraging them to make an easy side trip to New Orleans.She also highlighted a packed summer calendar, including ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Fourth of July fireworks, Tales of the Cocktail, major culinary events and X Games weekend. Glenn says New Orleans restaurants are also enjoying national attention after Chef Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA won Best Chef: South at the James Beard Awards.The conversation also covered New Orleans landing PCMA Convening Leaders in 2029, a major win for future convention business across the state.