During IPW 2025 in Chicago, we had the opportunity to speak with Diana Hernandez, Senior Manager of International Communications & Public Relations at New Orleans & Company, who shared the city’s latest achievements and the ambitious vision with which New Orleans is positioning itself on the global stage.

In an exclusive interview with ABC Mundial during the IPW 2025 Media Marketplace, Diana Hernandez revealed that New Orleans & Company is working on a dedicated strategy to strengthen the destination’s presence in Latin America.
“We want more Latin American travelers to discover the authenticity of New Orleans—its culture, music, history, and unique hospitality,” she said. The campaign aims to position the city as an accessible and appealing option for Spanish-speaking audiences through marketing actions, partnerships with tour operators, and participation in regional travel fairs.

With enthusiasm and solid data, Hernandez celebrated a milestone that marks a turning point in the city’s economic recovery: in 2024, New Orleans welcomed over 19 million visitors—a number not seen since before the pandemic and only the second time in history the city has reached that level of tourism. According to the 2024 Visitor Profile Summary, conducted by consultancy MMGY Global, the city received 19.08 million visitors, a 6.4% increase compared to 2023.

This growth was also reflected in tourism spending, which reached $10.4 billion, surpassing the previous record of $10.045 billion set in 2019, and representing an 8.4% increase over the previous year. Hotel bookings also rose by 6.4%, consolidating New Orleans as one of the fastest-recovering destinations in the United States post-pandemic.

“This growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of strategic marketing and sales efforts, and a joint commitment with our local partners,” explained Hernandez.
“Tourism revenue helps create jobs, support businesses, and fund public services throughout the city.”

Another key indicator placing New Orleans at the forefront of the meetings and events industry is its ranking as the third top convention destination in the U.S., surpassing major hubs like Chicago and Las Vegas. Meetings and conventions generate more than $2 billion annually for the local economy. High-profile events such as the Bocuse d’Or, the Pastry World Cup, the Essence Festival, and the historic Eras Tour stop by Taylor Swift—which drew over 150,000 attendees and generated an estimated economic impact of $500 million—highlight the city’s global appeal.

But New Orleans speaks not only through numbers—it speaks through its identity. Hernandez emphasized that the city has proven to be a model of resilience and hospitality:

“New Orleans is built to host. We’ve shown that we can overcome challenges and establish ourselves as a world-class tourism destination.”

With streets full of history, music, gastronomy, art, and culture—and a present shaped by recovery and international ambition—New Orleans enters 2025 as a vibrant, renewed city, ready to win over the world.