IPW, the largest travel trade show in North America, offers an unparalleled opportunity for attractions, business, and destinations to reap the economic benefits of travel and tourism. Although the 2016 IPW was supposed to take place in Miami, the city of New Orleans received a huge boon – IPW chose the Crescent City as its new location following a renovation delay in Miami. We think the change is a perfect fit – and U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow agrees.

New Orleans’ unique culture and thriving hospitality industry makes it a natural choice to host IPW. (Photo: Paul Broussard)

“New Orleans epitomizes the idea of rolling out the welcome mat for your guests,” Dow says. “We’re thrilled that IPW’s exhibitors and attendees will be able to experience this utterly unique American destination.”

Similarly, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO and president Stephen Perry sees the tremendous benefit for both attendees and the city of New Orleans as it gears up to host IPW.

“New Orleans is a magical place built on deeply rooted culture, innovative and authentic food, inspiring music, and fabled architecture,” Perry says. “We travel the world to meet with our travel industry partners to encourage them to bring business to New Orleans, but having them come and experience all that we have to offer first hand is an opportunity that is a catalytic game changer,” he says.

Additionally, IPW 2016 comes at an especially important time for the city, which is gearing up for its 300th anniversary in 2018. Hundreds of millions of new dollars and capital from around the world will flow into New Orleans in the time leading up to the tri-centennial, Perry says. Add to that the economic impact of IPW itself: the business transacted at IPW has been calculated to bring in nearly one million additional international tourists and $1.7 billion in international tourism spending for host cities like New Orleans.