Bloodshed Dampens Recovery Hopes for New Orleans’ Travel Industry

The very little hope for recovery in New Orleans may have been squashed this weekend when nine people were slain resulting from a surge in killings. Responding to the violence, an official from the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB) has expressed how the city’s hospitality industry has been “extremely saddened by acts of violence.”

In a letter sent to CVB clients, members and staff Monday, NOCVB president and CEO Stephen Perry said, “You and your stakeholders likely have seen the resulting media coverage that appeared internationally this weekend, which we know creates concern for those planning to visit New Orleans for business or pleasure.

“I want to personally reassure you that we have been working around the clock in partnership with the Mayor, New Orleans Police Department, city officials, citizens, tourism and business leaders to aggressively address the recent wave of crime. The number one priority is immediately infusing dollars for new tactics to fix gaps in the criminal justice system and implement more aggressive community/neighborhood efforts.”

Amid the presence of about 300 National Guardsmen and 60 state troopers who were brought in last June to help patrol the streets, the bloodshed has continued.

Police claim most of the recent slayings have involved drugs in neighborhoods accustomed to violence, some took place in quieter areas, Associated Press reported. Last week, a filmmaker was shot to death and her physician husband wounded in the doorway of their Faubourg Marigny home with their toddler.