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KEY TAKEAWAYS: New Orleans selected to host IPW 2027 international travel trade show

Event expected to attract over 6,000 travel professionals and media

Louisiana delegation promoted state’s culture, food, and attractions

IPW generates $5.7B+ in future U.S. travel bookings annually

After wrapping up the U.S. Travel Association‘s IPW 2025 in Chicago, New Orleans has announced plans to host the annual conference in 2027.

The conference will bring more than 6,000 travel professionals and media representatives from around the globe to the city, according to a news release.

“It’s truly an honor to be chosen as a host city, considering IPW’s entire purpose is to showcase the United States to international buyers – meaning they believe New Orleans to be one of the best destinations in America to attract international visitors to the U.S.,” New Orleans and Company President and CEO Walt Leger said in the news release. “It speaks volumes about New Orleans and our ability to host global meetings and conventions, leisure visitors, major cultural festivals, and national sporting championships.”

The Louisiana Office of Tourism attended the conference in Chicago with a delegation of tourism representatives from across the state. The event brought together travel buyers and media from more than 70 countries, offering Louisiana the chance to spotlight its diverse attractions and global appeal.

“Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state and employs 225,000 people in Louisiana. In 2024, we saw 44.5 million visitors and an economic impact of $24.8 billion saving each household more than $1,100 in taxes,” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said in a news release.

“IPW is an opportunity for the LOT sales and marketing team, as well as Louisiana partners, to share all the wonderful things Louisiana has to offer including its outdoors, food, music and culture along with new attractions bringing visitors to every corner of the state,” Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois said in the news release.

IPW is recognized as the leading inbound travel trade show in the U.S., generating over $5.7 billion in future travel bookings. The event connects U.S. travel suppliers with international buyers and media, helping secure the country’s position as a top global travel destination.

Tourism partners representing Louisiana at IPW 2025 included:

Ascension Parish Tourism Commission

Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Houmas House Estate and Gardens

Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission

Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau

New Orleans & Company

Visit Baton Rouge

Visit Jefferson Parish

Visit the Northshore

Louisiana’s River Parishes

Throughout the event, LOT and its partners held more than 600 scheduled meetings with international buyers, further strengthening Louisiana’s global tourism footprint.