New Orleans has reached a major milestone in its tourism recovery, welcoming 19 million visitors in 2024—the highest number since 2019 and a 6.4 percent increase over 2023. According to a newly released MMGY Visitor Profile Summary, total visitor spending reached $10.4 billion, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels.
For meetings and incentives professionals, these numbers speak to New Orleans’ enduring appeal as a top-tier host destination. A 2024 national study by 2Synergize, Destinations International and Simpleview ranked New Orleans third in the country for conventions, ahead of legacy destinations like Chicago and Las Vegas.
“2024 proved that New Orleans is truly ‘Built to Host,’” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, in a press statement. “When the hospitality industry thrives, so does our economy—and that’s especially true when it comes to meetings and conventions.”
Events like the International WorkBoat Show, the Pokemon North America International Championships and over 1,000 business and leisure groups helped fuel visitation and economic activity. The city also hosted two prestigious global culinary competitions—the Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup, both set to return in 2026.
Meetings and conventions contribute over $2 billion in direct annual spending to New Orleans’ economy. These events extend the average length of stay, boost per capita spending and support more than 80,000 jobs in the local hospitality sector.
With unmatched cultural capital, a walkable downtown and a full-service convention campus, New Orleans continues to prove itself as a dynamic, high-impact choice for planners looking to engage, inspire and impress.
Into the second half of 2025, New Orleans & Company is actively building on this growth, offering new opportunities to bring incentive groups, trade shows and global events to the Crescent City.
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