There’s a renaissance happening in New Orleans, “and that’s led by the hospitality industry,” says Michael Smith, the general manager of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in the Central Business District.

Smith, who started at the Hyatt 37 years ago, has had an impressive career trajectory. Starting from humble beginnings bussing tables, Smith eventually became the hotel’s food and beverage director and worked his way up to his current role as general manager.

So what does tourism mean to Smith? Quite simply, it means 80,000 New Orleanians gainfully employed – and he’s proud to be one of them. Learn more about Michael Smith in the video below.