USA: Latest New Orleans Tourism Ads Push Weekday Travel

Having a case of the Terrible Tuesdays? New Orleans tourism leaders want to help.

The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. unveiled its latest tourism campaign Tuesday (March 29) outside The French Market accompanied by industry leaders and music from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park jazz band.


Mark Romig, CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., said the industry has long focused on attracting tourists during hot summer months when visits typically slowed. More recently, a growing lineup of summer events has helped boost year-round tourism.

Romig said the industry is now turning its attention to mid-week travel. The new hash tag campaign, named #HappyTuesday, will use social media and discounts at restaurants, hotels and attractions across the city to encourage visitors and locals to explore the city during slower weekdays.

Romig said the aim is to "sustain and enhance the local tourism industry," create jobs and boost revenue as Louisiana grapples with budget problems and an oil downturn.

"The more people we can convince to come down here and spend money, the better the state and the city of New Orleans will be," he said.

The campaign was inspired in part by posts from social news site BuzzFeed, which has declared Tuesday the "worst day of the week." Romig noted a city that hosts Mardi Gras every year on a Tuesday thinks differently. NOTMC will now partner with BuzzFeed to promote the campaign.

The campaign kicked off Tuesday on Twitter. Famous New Orleanians, including "Mad Men" actor Bryan Batt and musician Dr. John, responded in real-time to Twitter users complaining about having a bad day, encouraging them to turn things around by planning a trip to New Orleans.

The push will also include media targeting drive-in travel markets such as Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Houston, Biloxi, Miss., Gulfport, Miss., and Mobile, Ala.

Tourism leaders aim to sell the idea of exploring New Orleans bars, restaurants and music venues on less-crowded weekdays to travelers.

Are they worried about push back from locals who value quiet weekdays? Romig said he hopes locals use Tuesdays to go out and take advantage of the citywide discounts as well.

Offers range from drink specials at local restaurants and bars, ticket deals at the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, and hotel packages.

Eric Cook, executive chef of The American Sector at the National World War II Museum, said the restaurant will be offering happy hour specials on food and discounted specialty 32-ounce cocktails served souvenir cups.

"It's a good way to kick off your happy Tuesday," Eric Cook joked, quickly adding, "Or maybe end it."