New Orleans Unites with Chicago, Orlando, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Denver, Welcomes IPW Travel Trade Show to Turbocharge Global Tourism, Here is a Major Update

New Orleans unites with Chicago, Orlando, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Washington DC, and Denver in an electrifying leap toward global tourism dominance. These powerhouse U.S. cities, each previously trusted to host the iconic IPW travel trade show, are now joined by New Orleans—a city ready to rise. This is not just a milestone. It’s a signal. New Orleans is stepping into the same league as Orlando, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Washington DC, and Denver by welcoming IPW 2027, a move set to turbocharge tourism, transform visibility, and supercharge economic impact.

Now, New Orleans is more than jazz and jambalaya—it’s a central player in the biggest global tourism event in the U.S. The IPW travel trade show is known to rewrite city narratives, and New Orleans is next in line.

With Orlando’s theme park magic, Anaheim’s convention muscle, Las Vegas’ entertainment empire, Washington DC’s political pulse, and Denver’s mountain allure already in the mix, New Orleans is now united with a powerful circle. These cities became icons not just because of what they offer—but because of the global spotlight IPW casts. And now, New Orleans is about to shine.

But what does this mean for U.S. travel? Why is this announcement more than just another date on the calendar? The answer lies in the seismic shift this creates for New Orleans and its global tourism footprint. Something big is happening—and the ripple effects will be felt worldwide. Keep reading. The future of U.S. travel is changing, and New Orleans is leading the charge.

New Orleans Set to Welcome the World: IPW 2027 to Redefine U.S. Travel and Louisiana’s Global Tourism Role

The world is coming to New Orleans in 2027—and it’s not for Mardi Gras. The Crescent City has secured the coveted spot as the host of IPW 2027, the premier international inbound travel trade show organized by the U.S. Travel Association. The announcement puts New Orleans—and Louisiana as a whole—at the epicenter of global tourism strategy and spending.

More than 6,000 travel professionals, tour operators, and international media members from over 70 countries are expected to attend. For the state’s tourism economy, it’s a moment of transformation. For the travel industry at large, it’s a signal that the South is ready to lead the next global wave of inbound U.S. travel.

A High-Stakes Win for the Crescent City

This isn’t just a feather in the city’s cap—it’s a billion-dollar opportunity. IPW is widely recognized as the leading engine of future travel bookings into the United States. The event historically drives more than $5.7 billion in anticipated bookings, from leisure tourism to business travel, and creates long-lasting global exposure for host destinations.

For New Orleans, the timing couldn’t be better. As global travel rebounds and international markets shift post-pandemic, competition among U.S. cities for tourist dollars is fierce. Winning IPW 2027 gives New Orleans a stage like no other to promote its soul-stirring culture, award-winning cuisine, and robust hospitality infrastructure.

The choice of New Orleans also highlights the city’s growing reputation as a top-tier destination not just for festivals and music, but for global meetings, conventions, and cultural diplomacy.

Louisiana Steps Up as a Travel Powerhouse

The announcement is the result of strategic groundwork laid by the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) and New Orleans & Company. At IPW 2025 in Chicago, the Louisiana delegation made a compelling case for why the state—rich in culture, food, music, and natural beauty—deserves a larger slice of the global travel pie.

From the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin to the jazz-filled streets of the French Quarter, Louisiana offers a tourism portfolio few states can match. With over 44.5 million visitors in 2024 and an economic impact topping $24.8 billion, tourism is now the fourth largest industry in the state. It supports more than 225,000 jobs and delivers real tax savings to Louisiana residents.

IPW 2027 will be a catalyst to grow those numbers further, drawing more international flights, hotel investments, and cultural collaborations to the state.

600+ Meetings, One Unforgettable Impression

At IPW 2025, Louisiana tourism partners held over 600 meetings with global buyers and media. These sessions weren’t just about brochures—they were about connection. Each meeting introduced Louisiana to new travel planners eager to curate fresh itineraries for global travelers.

These face-to-face connections are where deals are born. Tour operators from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are already eyeing Louisiana not as a detour, but as a destination.

From Houma to Baton Rouge, Lake Charles to Lafayette, regional tourism boards came together to build a unified vision. The momentum gained in Chicago is now shifting into high gear as the state prepares for its 2027 spotlight.

Cultural Riches Become Economic Engines

Louisiana’s biggest advantage is its authenticity. Where other destinations offer curated experiences, Louisiana lives and breathes its culture daily. From gumbo pots simmering on the stove to brass bands leading second lines, the state’s identity is a global draw in its own right.

With IPW coming to town, local artisans, chefs, musicians, and hoteliers will gain direct access to international buyers looking for unique, marketable experiences. The result? More cultural exports, stronger brand recognition for local talent, and economic returns that ripple from cities to parishes across the state.

This isn’t just a win for tourism—it’s a win for every small business that counts on travelers to survive and thrive.

The Global Impact: U.S. Travel Gets a Southern Twist

On a national level, New Orleans hosting IPW 2027 is a symbolic pivot. It highlights the rise of Southern cities in the global tourism narrative. While traditional gateways like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have long dominated international itineraries, travelers now crave authenticity, warmth, and immersive experiences.

New Orleans delivers that in spades.

As a result, the U.S. travel industry is likely to see new investments in the Gulf Coast corridor. Airlines may boost international connections into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Hotels may expand or accelerate new developments in anticipation of the global demand. Even digital travel platforms will recalibrate their algorithms to feature Louisiana more prominently.

Looking Ahead: IPW 2027 and Beyond

The road to IPW 2027 begins now. Planning committees will soon work to align venues, vendors, and visuals that bring Louisiana’s essence to life on a global scale. Expect major activations across the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, themed events throughout the city, and media coverage that puts New Orleans on the world’s radar for years to come.

The event will not only showcase the city’s charm but also demonstrate its infrastructure, resilience, and capacity to host global-scale events.

For travelers, it means more visibility, more travel content, and more reasons to consider Louisiana for their next vacation or conference. For industry insiders, it’s a signal that the South is rising—not just as a cultural force, but as a tourism powerhouse ready to compete at the highest level.