NEW ORLEANS, LA – The board and staff of the Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (JCVB) welcomed more than 140 members and community officials to the 15th Annual JCVB Luncheon Meeting, on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at the recently renovated and reopened Copeland Tower located inside the Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, in Metairie, LA.
JCVB President & CEO Violet Peters discussed the state of tourism announcing the latest stats from the Office of Tourism reports which included that Jefferson Parish tourism generated more than $1 billion to the local economy, international visitors spent $18 million in Jefferson Parish retail stores and that Jefferson Parish is to gain additional hotels with the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Gretna in the fall of 2015, the opening of the Homewood Suites along Severn Avenue in Metairie summer of 2016 and the opening of the Holiday Inn & Express Suites along Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Kenner (2016 opening date to be announced).
Additional statistics, events and information including the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Barataria Preserve’s active participation in the U.S. ‘Find Your Park’ campaign and the addition of the Krewe of Pandora to the 2016 east bank parade roster were among the topics at the meeting as well.
The Annual Luncheon served as the forum to recognize the recipient of the ‘Virige Ott Tourism Award.’ The inaugural award was presented to its namesake, Virgie Ott, in 2011, in recognition and appreciation of her dedication to and advancement of Jefferson Parish tourism.
This year the JCVB honored Denise Thevenot, Director of Louisiana Tax Fee Shopping. Her career in tourism spans 25 years of dedication to promoting the state of Louisiana both nationally and internationally. In addition to her numerous accomplishments in her role as Director at LTFS, Thevenot served and continues to serve on community and tourism-related boards, committees and organizations.
The JCVB also welcomed nationally recognized speaker, Ryan C. Lowe. Known for his ‘get off your attitude’ approach of positive thinking, Ryan delivered a message of ambassadorship, advocacy and the importance of pride in the destination to the Jefferson Parish tourism stakeholders.
