Industry pitches in to support New Orleans

The short-term outlook for tourism, the state of Louisiana’s biggest source of revenue, is bleak in the wake of the killer hurricane Katrina.

The city of New Orleans draws about 10 million visitors a year, including 100,000 from the UK.  Popular tourist landmarks were damaged in the storm although the historic French Quarter has suffered the least damage.

For the 1.2 million residents, the situation was an ongoing nightmare with food, water and social order all dwindling as 80% of the city was reported to be under flood waters.

Thousands were dead and conditions in New Orleans were described as “desperate.”

Officials struggled to bring in food and water amid reports that both were running low while at the same time there is no eletrical power for the city.

Estimates are there are anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 residents still in the city. Some Army Corps of Engineers officials said clearing the city could take up to six months.

A statement from the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau said the first priority was to evacuate the city and reverse the rising water levels.

“It is unlikely the city will be open for the month of September, however New Orleans is asking Octover travellers to hold on a few more days before making the decision to cancel their plans,” the statement said.

The New Orleans CVB is to establish an alternative office in Baton Rouge early next week to work with the travel trade. Updates on the situation are being posted on the website www.neworleanscvb.com.

There was a national groundswell of support for the beleaguered city. And the travel industry pitched in to help. Among the many donations and offers of help were these:

• The National Tour Association (NTA), right after learning that the state of Louisiana desperately needed motor coaches to evacuate people from New Orleans, asked members to send buses to Louisiana. The number of buses was not known. The NTA set also up a clearinghouse of information for members that can be accessed at www.NTAonline.com.

• The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) set up a hurricane help page on http://www.astanet.com/hurricanehelp/, where members who need assistance can have their requests posted. ASTA members in need of or offering help can also call 800-ASK-ASTA.

• The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International started several initiatives, including a new relief fund and a resource center at its Web site. For more information, go to www.hsmaieconnect.org.

• Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. took several steps, including housing 400 displaced residents, mostly non-employees, in the convention space of its Grand Casino in Tunica. Among other steps, Harrah’s also committed $3 million from its charitable foundation to be set aside for victims.

• Jamison Inns, with 122 hotels in the south and Midwest, unveiled several steps to help victims, including free long distance calling, “significant” discounts on rates and complimentary meals.

• Various US airlines announced methods of assisting and encouraging donations to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts. American Airlines, for example, announced a special award of 500 AAdvantage bonus miles to anyone donating a minimum of $50.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation announced a $1 million contribution to the relief effort.

• The Hospitality of Financial and Technical Professionals (HTFTP) donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross itself said it can’t accept large collections of items such as used clothing, furniture and canned goods. The organization asks for financial gifts. Call 800-HELP NOW, or internet users can make a contribution at www.redcross.org.

Both Amtrak and cruise lines might also be involved in the evacuation of New Orleans.

Discussions were underway on using freight routes to evacuate residents.  Cruise ships also were being considered to help residents leave the area.

Report by David Wilkening and Phil Davies