RAISING A GLASS TO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT THAT THE NEW ORLEANS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE BRINGS TO THE CITY

New Orleans, Louisiana – The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) announces the results of a study of the economic impact of the recent 2010 event. These results, compiled by the Hospitality Research Center at the University of New Orleans (UNO), illustrate the total economic impact produced by the 19^thannual event was $6.5 million dollars with state and local governments generating close to a half million dollars ($442,975) in tax revenue.

“As the event approaches its’ twentieth anniversary, it is important that we take a look at our event, its’ growth over the years, and see how we contribute to the overall economic health of the city,” states Octavio Mantilla, 2010 NOWFE Board President. “We’ve always known that the event is a huge economic boost to the city during a historically slow period, but the study allows us to quantify it. It tells us that our impact is sizable, and points out areas of focus to reach our full potential.” In 2010, the individual daily expenditure (food, lodging, shopping, entertainment, etc.) was $491.18, an increase over 2008 spending—solid evidence of continual growth.

Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, excited about the event says “Particularly since it is held Memorial Day weekend, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience gives another good reason for people to travel for a long weekend to the city. With great events and festivals like NOWFE, more people than ever are answering the call to come enjoy the culinary culture only available in New Orleans.”

NOWFE’s event format, coupled with world-renowned dining and exceptional hotel properties, makes no surprise of the events “sell-outs” or the 37% of attendee respondents who thought NOWFE was better than other wine and food festivals they have attended.

“Our goals, much like those of the city and state, are to attract visitors to New Orleans. Based on information from the 2008 Economic Impact Study we concentrated efforts on marketing to new visitors, while continuing to attract repeat visitors. The result was extraordinary… we increased new visitors to more than 52%, and produced an increase in spending,” said Kevin Kimball 2011 NOWFE Board President.

Summary of Additional Findings:

The majority of guests responded favorably regarding the Superdome location
50% of the out-of-town visitors who responded reported a household income of over $100,00

The largest proportion of visitor expenditures was from meals followed by lodging.

Individuals spent an average of $152.58 on meals per day.

The vast majority (96.1%) of out-of-town New Orleans Wine & Food Experience visitors stayed overnight in the New Orleans area. Three (3) nights is the most frequent response given for number of nights stayed in New Orleans yielding 4405 Visitor nights.

The average room rate for visitors staying in a hotel or motel was $163.76. For a basis ofcomparison, the average room rate for NOWFE hotel guests in 2008 was $150.47; Smith Travel Research indicates that average room rate for New Orleans for May 2010 was $129.89. Clearly, NOWFE visitors spend above average for lodging.

NOWFE Board Members proudly mention that the local community will continue to benefit from the charitable donations that NOWFE will distribute later this year.

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a non-profit organization. The Board of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience donates 100% of the events’ profit to support their programs and foundations. Proceeds from the 2010 event will benefit the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Board, University of New Orleans School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Delgado Community College Culinary Arts Program, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts Culinary Arts Program, Girls First, Cancer Crusaders, Southern Animal Foundation, Coach Sean Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation and Fore! Kids Foundation. For more information please visit www.nowfe.com

NOWFE 2011 will be held May 25– 28, 2011. For additional press information, including downloadable images, contact Liz Bodet 504.583.5550, egoliwas@bellsouth.net or visit the media center at www.nowfe.com