New Orleans, known for its jazz, Creole cuisine, historic architecture, festivals like Mardi Gras, and vibrant nightlife, has rebounded strongly in the post-pandemic era.
In 2024, the city welcomed approximately 19.08 million visitors, and total visitor spending reached $10.4 billion. This marked a significant milestone in tourism recovery.
Key stats: New Orleans Tourism
- 19.08 million visitors in 2024 – New Orleans bounced back strong, breaking the 19-million mark for the first time since the pandemic.
- $10.4 billion visitor spending – the city’s tourism economy not only recovered, but surpassed its previous peak.
- The city welcomed 17.8 million domestic visitors in 2023, still climbing toward the pre-pandemic high of ~19.75 million.
- Visitors stay on average only about 2.5 days – short stays mean high turnover and intense usage of city hospitality infrastructure.
- Hotel occupancy in July 2024 hit just 58.9%, pointing to over-supply or off-season softness in parts of the market.
- But in early October 2024 the occupancy jumped to 75.6%, showing the impact of major events and seasonality.
- The tourism & hospitality sector supports 80,000+ jobs – a major employment component for the city.
- Meetings and conventions deliver over $2 billion annually, making business travel a key pillar of the tourism economy.
- Short-term rentals and lodging in New Orleans region: June 2024 occupancy of 33.8% in the state-level data suggests regional volatility in lodging demand.
- The state of Louisiana’s 2022 tourism figures (42.6 m visitors, $17.1 billion spend) give perspective on how New Orleans fits into the broader regional tourism economy.
How Many Tourists Visit New Orleans Each Year?
In 2024, New Orleans hosted ~19.08 million visitors.
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): ~19.75 million visitors
- 2023: ~17.94 million visitors
- 2024: ~19.08 million – ~6.4 % increase over 2023.
How Many Tourists Visit New Orleans Each Day?
On average, about 52,000 visitors arrive each day in 2024. (19.08 million ÷ 365 ≈ 52,300)
How Much Do Visitors Spend in New Orleans Every Year?
In 2024, tourists spent about $10.4 billion in New Orleans, an increase of ~8.4 % over 2023’s $9.6 billion.
- This spending exceeds the pre-pandemic high of ~$10.045 billion in 2019.
Which Countries / Origins Visit New Orleans the Most?
Most visitors to New Orleans are domestic U.S. travelers, with a smaller but growing share of international travel. Specific breakdowns of source countries are less frequently published for 2024.
- Conventions and meetings contribute more than $2 billion annually in direct spending.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in New Orleans?
New Orleans attracts visitors with its distinct culture, architecture, music and events. Estimated high-volume draws include:
- French Quarter: a historic district with countless visitors annually
- Mardi Gras: brings nearly 1 million revelers in early March 2025.
- Music festivals (e.g., Jazz & Heritage Festival)
- Convention & meeting venues (e.g., Morial Convention Center)
When Is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans?
Peak tourism periods include late winter (Mardi Gras), spring (festival season), and major event weeks.
- Feb-Mar: Mardi Gras & conventions
- Apr-May: Festival season (e.g., Jazz & Heritage)
- Jun-Aug: Summer is warm and moderately busy
- Oct-Nov: Fall events and milder weather
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to New Orleans?
| Event | Estimated Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras (Feb-Mar) | ~1 million+ | Massive annual draw. |
| Conventions & Meetings | >$2 billion in spending | National ranking for conventions. |
| Jazz & Heritage Festival | Hundreds of thousands | Music and culture highlight. |
| Super Bowl / major sports events | Tens to hundreds of thousands | Large visitor influx. |
How Much Money Does New Orleans Make From Tourism?
Tourism in New Orleans supports tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions in spending and tax revenue.
- 2024 spending: ~$10.4 billion
- Conventions: >$2 billion direct spend annually
Which Neighborhoods / Areas of New Orleans Are Most Popular With Tourists?
- French Quarter: Historic core, nightlife, key attractions
- Central Business District & Warehouse District: Hotels, dining
- Garden District: Historic homes, quieter stay
- Marigny & Bywater: Trendier, arts-y neighborhoods
- Uptown / Treme: Cultural heritage and music roots
FAQ – New Orleans Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit New Orleans each year?
About 19.08 million in 2024.
How much do they spend?
Around $10.4 billion in 2024.
When is best time to visit?
Late winter through spring for festivals and events.
Is New Orleans only about Mardi Gras?
No — while Mardi Gras is a major draw, the city also attracts visitors year-round for music, food, culture, conventions and sports.
Which area should I stay in?
French Quarter or CBD for first-time visitors; Garden District or Bywater for quieter, local-flavored stays.
Sources
- New Orleans & Company — “19 Million Visitors for the First Time Since COVID” (Jun 2025)
- RoadGenius — New Orleans Tourism Statistics – How Many People Visit? (Nov 2024)
- GNO INC — Tourism Rebounds to Near-Record High (Jun 2025)
- Biz New Orleans — “When New Orleans’ Tourism Industry Thrives, So Does Louisiana” (May 2025)
- TravelTrendstoday — “New Orleans Welcomes Nearly 19 mn Visitors in 2024” (Sept 2025)
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