NOLA Tourism 101: What Locals Need
to Know BY MADISON VOORHIES
N ew Orleans possesses a unique charm as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. But what does this really mean for the locals? Every year, Nola draws in millions of visitors to experience its unique, multicultural blend of art, music, cuisine, and history. While every day here is a celebration of life and all these things that make our city so wonderful, the influx of tourists creates a complex web of effects on the city’s financial landscape, infrastructures, and the lives of its residents. Of course we want to
see our vibrant city grow and succeed, and since so many people have mixed feelings about our happy-go-lucky out- of-towners, let’s take a closer look at the impact they’re really leaving. Short-Term Rentals vs. All Y’all New Orleans’ tourism industry is undeniably a powerhouse, injecting billions of dollars into the city’s economy each year. It spreads far beyond the iconic French Quarter and Bourbon Street, like from Gentilly to Marigny, from
Uptown to Downtown, from Lakeview to Mid-City, among many more vibrant neighborhoods. These blocks not only support a plethora of businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, but also create job opportunities for thousands of people. However, the impact of tourism is a nuanced balancing act between opportunities and challenges. On one hand, employment in the hospitality sector provides a vital source of income for many locals. Not to mention tourism
16 JUNE 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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