New Orleans tourism affected by high criminality rate

New Orleans has recently become the deadliest city per capita in America, so tourism leaders have expressed their concerns about the future of the businesses in the city. Nevertheless, opinions still keep an optimistic tone.

209 homicides have been reported this year, an impressive figure translating into a rate of 52 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Kelly Schulz from New Orleans & Co. commented on the matter, as she explains that the agency is continuously receiving inquiries about the city’s safety levels:

“We are getting questions from our customers about what it means for them. And it’s not just the headline we are concerned about, [...] it’s the reality of the situation. [...]

“When we see those negative headlines, they see them as well. And they will call us and ask about what’s really happening in the city. It’s certainly challenging.”

On the other hand, Michael Hecht, the President and CEO of GNO Inc., is more optimistic. In his opinion, the sector is doing just fine for now, as no firms have cancelled their activity so far and, as an extra, Miss Universe competition chose New Orleans to be its city-host for the next year’s edition to be held in January.

“Businesses are booming. Tourists are still coming here because there’s so much pent-up demand coming out of COVID for the intimacy, for the culture that New Orleans offers,” Hecht commented.

However, Hecht also highlighted that it will be everyone’s responsibility, from regular people to tourism sector and public authorities to make the city safe and enjoyable for tourism once again.

 

Source: kalb.com