Trying to avoid an Indiana-style tourism backlash, New Orleans tourism leaders have moved quickly to denounce an executive order issued by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, calling the ‘Marriage and Conscience Act’ both unnecessary and meaningless.
"This executive order is largely a political statement by our conservative governor in support of his national position on the issue. That is certainly his right. It is important for those who visit Louisiana to know that its effect in essence is that of a political campaign document," said a joint statement from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation.
It said the order is trying to "address an issue that does not exist in our state — persecution of business owners by the state when practicing religious freedom. In fact, there is not one case pending in Louisiana of discrimination on the basis of views held on same-sex marriage."
Tourism officials said they are undeterred by the negative media attention and it is business as usual.
"We will continue with our CVB and economic development partners to promote and market New Orleans and Louisiana as destinations for the world’s greatest vacations, conventions and meetings," said Mark Romig, CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Last year New Orleans’ 9.5 million visitors spent a record $6.8 billion.
