New Orleans Tops Best of the South List

NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans was named the Best Large City for a Weekend Getaway for the third consecutive year, once again establishing the city as a premiere destination for travelers. Additionally, several members of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and its industry partners were recognized for excellence.

Best Large City for Weekend Getaway - New Orleans
Best Large Hotel - Hotel Monteleone
Best Bed & Breakfast - Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Best Attraction - The National WWII Museum
Best Brunch - Commander's Palace
Best Fine Dining - Galatoire's Restaurant

"We are honored to be included in the 2012 AAA Southern Traveler's Best of the South list," said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.

"Being listed in so many top travel publications just emphasizes what we know - that there is no better place to spend your leisure time than in the city of New Orleans."

AAA Southern Traveler's Best of the South included New Orleans as a "runner up" for Best Gaming Destination and Brennan's Restaurant was recognized as a "runner up" for Best Sunday Brunch.

"Members of AAA are not only well-traveled, but they are also influential decision makers in the travel world," said Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. "These rankings are not only important for us from a marketing standpoint, but they also help solidify New Orleans as a top southeastern destination. We are grateful for this honor and congratulate all our industry partners who topped the lists, as they are the reason New Orleans is and will remain a premiere destination."

AAA Southern Traveler readers were asked to select their southern favorites in 17 categories. From there, three finalists were selected in each category and readers were asked to select the winners through the official poll. Results will be published in the AAA Southern Traveler July/August 2012 issue.

The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nationally accredited, 1,000-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana.

The CVB and its members influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services at New Orleans headquarters and offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Phoenix and four foreign countries.

Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB is celebrating its 52nd anniversary in 2012.

The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year. Annually, NOTMC's marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and public relations.

For more information, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com

Web sites: www.NewOrleansOnline.com; www.NewOrleansMuseums.com; www.RadioFreeNeworleans.com; www.GoNola.com

Social media: www.Facebook.com/NewOrleansOnline; www.Twitter.com/visitneworleans