News Summary
New Orleans has been chosen to host the International Pow Wow (IPW) conference in 2027, an event expected to attract over 6,000 travel professionals and media from around the world. This decision underscores the city’s prominence in the travel industry, following the successful IPW 2025 conference in Chicago. Local tourism organizations, including the Louisiana Office of Tourism, engaged with international buyers to amplify the state’s tourism offerings. The conference is a significant opportunity to showcase Louisiana’s culture and attractions, contributing to its economic growth and tourism development.
New Orleans Secures Bid for IPW Conference in 2027
New Orleans has been selected to host the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow (IPW) conference in 2027, an event anticipated to bring over 6,000 travel professionals and media representatives from around the globe to the city. The decision follows the successful conclusion of the IPW 2025 conference held recently in Chicago, where tourism professionals and media from more than 70 countries gathered.
This notable achievement highlights New Orleans as a prominent destination in the travel industry. The conference aims to showcase the United States to international buyers, further solidifying the city’s position as an attractive tourist spot. The announcement was made by New Orleans and Company, whose President and CEO expressed pride in being named as a host city for this significant event.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism actively engaged at the IPW 2025 conference, participating with a delegation from various parts of the state. The presence of the Louisiana Office of Tourism and its partners led to over 600 meetings with international buyers, enhancing the visibility of Louisiana’s tourism offerings. These interactions are crucial for promoting the state’s unique culture, food, music, and overall tourism appeal.
Tourism is a vital sector in Louisiana’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. The industry ranks as the fourth largest in the state, providing jobs for approximately 225,000 individuals. In 2024 alone, Louisiana attracted 44.5 million visitors, generating an impressive economic impact of $24.8 billion. The success of the tourism industry has also translated into savings for residents, with each Louisiana household benefiting from over $1,100 in tax savings attributed to the tourism sector.
Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the IPW conference presents a key opportunity to promote Louisiana’s numerous attractions to potential travelers. The significance of showcasing the state on a global stage cannot be overstated, as it helps draw attention to its diverse cultural offerings.
The IPW is recognized as the leading inbound travel trade show in the United States and plays a critical role in generating future travel bookings. The conference is known to have produced over $5.7 billion in anticipated travel bookings, reaffirming its importance to the travel and tourism industry.
New Orleans, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere, is expected to provide an exceptional experience for attendees of the IPW conference in 2027. The city is ready to highlight its historical significance, culinary scene, and lively entertainment options, making it an ideal location for international travel professionals to gather and explore opportunities within the travel market.
As the preparations for the IPW 2027 conference begin, the anticipation builds for a major event that promises to enhance New Orleans’ reputation as a prime destination for travelers worldwide. The selection reflects the ongoing collaborative efforts between local tourism organizations and state agencies aimed at promoting and expanding Louisiana’s presence in the competitive travel industry landscape.
With a focus on cultural exchange and tourism development, New Orleans will undoubtedly leverage the IPW conference to not only showcase its unique attributes but also foster international partnerships that will benefit the state’s economy for years to come.
Overall, New Orleans’ successful bid to host the IPW conference reflects a significant milestone for the city’s tourism sector and sets the stage for an exciting future in supporting travel professionals and promoting the unique offerings of Louisiana.
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- New Orleans CityBusiness: Empowering Women Awards Nominations
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Louisiana
- Entergy Newsroom: Support for Women’s Empowerment
- Google Search: International Pow Wow conference 2027
- MCCNO: Convention Center Receives Empowering Women Award
