NEW ORLEANS – As COVID restrictions ease and more people are vaccinated, tourists may feel more comfortable traveling.

But, with Louisiana’s masking mandate and restrictions that states around us don’t have, does New Orleans have to convince tourists to come back?

New Orleans & Company, according to the city’s tourism bureau, says that despite restrictions in place, visitors still want to get to New Orleans. Experts believe that with the spring break around the corner and summer not far away, people will start booking flights while others are ready to take the trip.

There is also a sense of optimism as the COVID numbers drop and restrictions wear off. When people are vaccinated, they are more comfortable traveling.

Kelly Schulz of New Orleans & Company said, “This level of comfort is very positive as travelers actually feel comfortable and safe and make the decision to book New Orleans versus any other destination.”

Until recently, people were booking on short notice.

“One of the positive things we are seeing now is that people book their trips 4 months in advance instead of 4 days. People make plans and stick to these plans, ”said Schulz.

With the world reopening, there is an additional competition to attract visitors. Overall, Schulz doesn’t think Louisiana’s mask mandate and restrictions will keep people from coming.

“It will be another year of recovery, but we have many reasons to be optimistic and we are certainly ready for these visitors to return in greater numbers, but above all so that they remain safe,” said Schulz.

New Orleans & Company added that visitor numbers will have a positive impact on the economy as visitor numbers increase.

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