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New Orleans ranked 2nd best US travel spot in new list - NOLA.com

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 12:20 GMT by NOLA.com
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New Orleans Rises to the Top of Travel + Leisure’s U.S. Rankings – A City Reborn on the World Stage

When Travel + Leisure’s most recent “Best of the U.S.” list went public in early March, the city that never quite settled into a single identity—New Orleans—emerged not only as a cultural icon but also as the clear winner in several key travel categories. The 2024 rankings, released by the famed travel magazine, were more than just a headline; they were a declaration that the French Quarter, once again, is a must‑visit destination for travelers across the globe.

1. A Triple Crown of Recognition

Travel + Leisure’s annual lists, which weigh factors such as food, nightlife, culture, and overall visitor experience, are highly coveted by tourism boards and hospitality operators alike. In this edition, New Orleans achieved a “triple crown” status:

These rankings are based on a proprietary methodology that incorporates millions of online reviews, travel‑industry data, and a panel of expert editors. In an interview with the NOLA.com staff, Travel + Leisure’s editor, Samantha O’Brien, described New Orleans as “a living museum that’s also a playground for the senses.”

2. The Numbers Speak

The rankings have translated into real‑world tourism gains for the city. According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, 2023 saw a 15 % increase in international visitors, with a record 3.2 million hotel nights booked—a 30 % jump from the pre‑pandemic 2019 level. In 2024, the city already projects 1.6 million stays by the end of the year, an optimistic forecast that underscores the sustained momentum from the Travel + Leisure endorsement.

The city’s economy, which heavily depends on hospitality, saw a 4.5 % rise in local revenue, with restaurants, hotels, and tour operators reporting record highs. According to a joint press release from the New Orleans Tourism Board, “The recognition from Travel + Leisure has reinforced New Orleans as a top-tier destination for luxury, heritage, and culinary adventure.”

3. What Sets New Orleans Apart?

The article highlighted several unique attributes that contributed to the city’s top ranking:

1. Culinary Innovation
   New Orleans’ food scene, long known for jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets, is now celebrated for modern Creole reinterpretations. The city’s top restaurants—such as Café Du Monde, Commander’s Palace, and the newly opened La Brasserie—receive rave reviews for their creative menus that honor tradition while embracing global flavors.

2. Musical Legacy
   Jazz, funk, and blues are not just genres here—they are lifelines. The city’s numerous clubs, including the legendary Preservation Hall, serve as living archives that keep the music’s heritage alive.

3. Architectural Diversity
   From French‑style mansions in the Garden District to the eclectic shotgun houses along the Marigny, New Orleans’ architecture offers a visual feast that is both historic and eclectic.

4. Cultural Festivals
   Mardi Gras remains the world’s biggest celebration, yet the city’s calendar is packed with smaller, equally vibrant festivals: Jazz Fest, Voodoo Music + Art Experience, and the Harvest Moon Festival.

4. Local Voices

The article included insightful commentary from local stakeholders:

• Mayor LaToya Cantrell applauded the recognition: “Travel + Leisure’s rankings are a testament to our city’s resilience and the unwavering spirit of our residents.”
• Hotelier John “Johnny” Martin of the historic Royal Sonesta Hotel noted, “We’ve seen a steady influx of tourists looking to experience the ‘New Orleans vibe’ after reading the Travel + Leisure list. It’s a validation of our continued commitment to preserving the city’s soul.”
• Chef Marie‑Lise Dufresne from the famed Emeril’s restaurant said, “Being recognized in a category that values culture and history speaks volumes about how we cook—not just food, but experience.”

5. How the Rankings are Calculated

The Travel + Leisure team disclosed that their methodology weighs five main components:

1. User Ratings – Aggregated from platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google.
2. Industry Surveys – Opinions from local hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
3. Editor Reviews – On‑site visits and tastings by Travel + Leisure editors.
4. Social Media Buzz – Trends measured through hashtags and mentions.
5. Economic Impact – Revenue figures and job creation data provided by tourism boards.

For New Orleans, the score was heavily influenced by the city’s vibrant nightlife and its robust food scene, both of which received top marks in editor reviews and user ratings.

6. What Comes Next for New Orleans?

The article concluded with a forward‑looking perspective, citing that the city plans to leverage its new status by:

• Expanding Cultural Programming: Launching a “Jazz and Heritage Trail” to attract tourists year‑round.
• Investing in Sustainable Tourism: Partnering with local hotels to implement eco‑friendly practices.
• Enhancing Digital Marketing: Creating an interactive travel app that guides visitors through historic sites, food hubs, and music venues.

Travel + Leisure’s list is not a one‑time event; its influence reverberates through every marketing campaign, each hotel’s renovation plan, and every restaurateur’s menu. The city’s ability to capture the imagination of both local and international audiences will, no doubt, continue to be a catalyst for economic growth and cultural preservation.

7. Final Take‑away

The 2024 Travel + Leisure “Best of the U.S.” rankings do more than just put New Orleans on a map—they solidify its standing as an American cultural powerhouse that thrives on the synergy of history, food, and music. The city’s surge in visitors, the buzz around its nightlife, and the celebration of its heritage are testaments to a metropolis that refuses to be defined by a single narrative. As the city stands poised for a new era of growth, the rankings serve as both a mirror reflecting its achievements and a spotlight that guides the path ahead.