New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism industry is thriving. With so much growth, resurgence, and record-breaking tourism numbers, it’s hard to believe Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans just ten years ago.

New Orleans has continued to blossom since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina ten years ago. (Photo: Paul Broussard)

Part of the industry’s success is due to the travel leaders who came in the months after the storm and spread the word to the rest of the world that the city was open for business, and ready to welcome guests.

In honor of how far the industry has come since 2005, Travel Weekly and the New Orleans CVB are jointly hosting a leadership forum on Thursday, May 21.

 The Forum

The Travel Weekly 2015 New Orleans Leadership Forum will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans and includes lunch.

Titled “10 Years After: A Celebration of Roots and Reimagination,” the forum includes rare opportunities to hear industry executives share current trends, market research, and insight for New Orleans and the tourism industry as a whole.

The Speakers

Attendees of this forum will get to hear from a variety of tourism industry leaders both in our community and on a national scale. In addition to Bruce Shulman, Travel Weekly’s publisher, and Arnie Weissman, the publication’s editor in chief, several other tourism experts will take the stage to discuss various aspects of the industry. A few highlights include:

Tim Zagat, co-founder, Zagat Surveys

Zagat will speak on how New Orleans’ iconic cuisine shapes the city and influences chefs on an international scale.

Vic Kerckhoff, director of leisure sales, United Airlines

Kerckhoff will discuss the role that airlines have played (and continue to play) in highlighting New Orleans’ vibrancy as a destination.

Christine Duffy, president, Carnival Cruise Line

Duffy will discuss how cruise lines help the economies of various ports around the country, with a special, analytical emphasis on New Orleans.

How to Attend

More information on the Travel Weekly 205 New Orleans Leadership Forum and tickets are available through the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Store. CVB members will enjoy a special discounted ticket cost of $40, and non-CVB members can attend for $50 per ticket. Additionally, the Roosevelt will have discounted valet parking available for $15 per vehicle.