A tropical disturbance may be tracking through the Gulf, but New Orleans tourism officials say it's not expected to put a damper on one of the city's busiest summer weekends.
Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans & Company says the system is shaping up to be what longtime broadcaster Garland Robinette affectionately called a "shoo-shoo," a storm that stays well away from the city.
That means visitors can still enjoy a packed lineup of events.
Making its New Orleans debut this weekend are the Moonpay X Games Championship, bringing elite action sports competitions to the Caesars Superdome along with concerts at the Smoothie King Center aimed at a younger audience.
Meanwhile, the city is once again hosting the prestigious Bocuse d'Or Americas and Pastry World Cup Americas competitions. Organizers are returning after choosing New Orleans for the first time in 2024. A sign, Romig says, that the city continues to impress international event planners.
"It's always exciting when an event comes back," Romig said. "That's why we're built to host."
While the culinary competitions aren't open to the general public, they'll still bring chefs, judges and visitors from around the world to New Orleans, generating business for restaurants, hotels and other local attractions.
The busy calendar follows a strong stretch of summer events, including Sail250 and Essence Festival, with Satchmo SummerFest and White Linen Night still on the horizon.
To help boost visitation during the traditionally slower late-summer months, New Orleans & Company is also launching a new promotion. Visitors, or locals planning a staycation. who book a hotel stay of two nights or more through the organization's website between now and the end of September will receive a $100 gift card to spend at participating restaurants, attractions and businesses.
Romig says the incentive is designed to remind travelers that while hurricane season can make some visitors hesitant, there's never a bad time to experience New Orleans.
"New Orleans is hot in the summer," she joked. "And we don't just mean the weather."
