New Orleans Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 7 November 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana, is a city known for its cultural heritage, music traditions, Creole cuisine, and annual events such as Mardi Gras.

How many tourists visit New Orleans each year?

Over 19.08 million visitors visited New Orleans in 2024.

• New Orleans attracted 19.75 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 36% to approximately 12.67 million.¹

• In 2021, around 15.73 million tourists visited New Orleans and this rose in 2022 to 17.53 million visitors.

• The figure climbed to 17.94 million in 2023, though this was still 9% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

• Visitor numbers reached 19.08 million in 2024, a 6% increase over 2023 and 3.4% below 2019.

How many people visited New Orleans in 2024?

• New Orleans welcomed 19.08 million visitors, marking a 6% increase over the previous year while still 3.4% below the pre-pandemic level of 2019.

How many people visited New Orleans in 2023?

• In 2023, New Orleans reported 17.94 million visitors, representing a slight increase of 2.3% from the previous year, yet still 9% below the figures recorded in 2019.

How much do tourists spend in New Orleans every year?

International and domestic tourists spent over $10.4 billion during their trips to New Orleans in 2024.

• In 2019, tourists in New Orleans generated $10.05 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $4.52 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.

• International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $8.33 billion spent.

• In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $9.10 billion and $9.60 billion, respectively.

• Tourists spent $10.40 billion in 2024, an 8.3% increase over 2023 and 3% above 2019.

How much did tourists spend in New Orleans in 2024?

• Domestic and international tourists spent $10.4 billion while exploring New Orleans in 2024. 

How much does it cost to visit New Orleans?

• In 2024,tourists spent an average of $545 per day, covering accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transportation.

How long do visitors stay in New Orleans?

• Tourists stay an average of 2.48 days visiting and exploring the wonders of New Orleans in 2024.

Where is New Orleans?

• New Orleans is located in southeastern Louisiana, positioned along the Mississippi River and bordered by Lake Pontchartrain to the north.
  
  
  • The city is situated at approximately 29.95 degrees North latitude and 90.07 degrees West longitude.

How popular is New Orleans as a tourist destination?

New Orleans, Louisiana’s cultural heart, continues to stand out as one of the most visited and celebrated cities in the United States.

• The city was ranked #2 in the United States in the Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards 2025”, recognized for its outstanding culture, food, and hospitality.
  
• New Orleans ranked #3 nationally for hosting large-scale conventions, outperforming major cities like Chicago and Las Vegas.
  
• It was named “Best Culinary Destination in the U.S.” and honored by the Creative Tourism Network as the “World’s Best Creative Destination.”
  
• Globally renowned for events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the city continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most vibrant and culturally rich destinations in the world.

Why do people visit New Orleans?

• In 2024, most people visited New Orleans for non-vacation purposes (43%), which include business, family, and other personal obligations.

• Vacations accounted for 26% of visits.

• Transient visits, at 15%, reflected individuals passing through the state, while 16% of visits were for group business, such as conferences or corporate events.
  

New Orleans Travel Resources

Economic Impact  – New Orleans Tourism Statistics 2024

• Although city-level GDP figures for tourism aren’t itemized publicly, the leisure and hospitality sector generally contributes around 10% of the New Orleans metropolitan GDP.

• More than 80,000 people are employed in the tourism and hospitality industry in the New Orleans area.

When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

The best times to visit New Orleans are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).

Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Temperatures are typically mild and pleasant, ranging from the low 60s to the upper 70s °F (approximately 15°C to 26°C).
  
  
• Events: Spring is vibrant with festivals, including Mardi Gras, which culminates in February or early March, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held in late April to early May. 
  

Fall (September to November)

• Weather: Fall offers cooler temperatures, generally in the 70s °F (around 21°C) during the day, with lower humidity compared to summer months.
  
  
• Events: October features Halloween festivities and various cultural events, while November is quieter, making it an excellent time for leisurely exploration of attractions without large crowds.

What should visitors do in New Orleans?

• Explore the French Quarter: Stroll through Jackson Square for historic charm and street performances, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife on Bourbon Street.
  
  
• Immerse in Live Jazz: Visit Preservation Hall for intimate live jazz performances showcasing New Orleans’ musical roots.
  
  
• Discover Museums: Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art and The Historic New Orleans Collection to dive into art and local history.
  
  
• Savour Local Cuisine: Indulge in beignets at Café du Monde and tour Mardi Gras World for a taste of festival culture.
  
  
• Connect with Nature: Visit the Audubon Zoo and relax in the expansive City Park with its gardens and trails.

USA Travel Statistics Resources

• Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
• California Statistics (incl. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood)
• Florida Statistics (incl. Destin, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World)
• Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
• Illinois Statistics (incl. Chicago)
• Louisiana Statistics
• Massachusetts Statistics (incl. Boston)
• Nevada Statistics (incl. Las Vegas)
• New York Statistics (incl. New York City, Statue of Liberty)
• South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
• Tennessee Statistics (incl. Memphis, Nashville)
• Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
• Utah Statistics
• Washington Statistics (incl. Seattle)
• Yellowstone National Park Statistics

---

Reference

1. EL: Tourism Key Figures and Statistics ↩︎