Taylor Swift, her Eras Tour, and her legion of fans may have left New Orleans, but the economic impact they made on the city will be felt for a while. In fact, local officials say it's just the beginning of what's expected to be a prosperous time for the area's economy.
"We could have a really exciting next nine months," Louisiana Restaurant Association president Stan Harris said.
Harris told WWL's Newell Normand that the Taylor Swift concerts served as an excellent stress test for local bars and restaurants ahead of what he says will be a busy winter and spring in New Orleans. He says that boost is much needed after a cruel summer for the local hospitality industry.
"We get back to the fact that there's hope, there's excitement, there's enthusiasm," Harris said. "We have the Saints and the Pelicans. The Sugar Bowl being a playoff this year is going to be really exciting. Then we go into French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest and the Zurich Classic."
Harris says he hopes sparks fly for the local economy now that Swifties have provided a catalyst.
"I think it's a great test for our city as we run up to the Sugar Bowl playoff and the Super Bowl and gives us an opportunity to see what we can do," Harris said.
