A rescue helicopter flies over a submerged neighbourhood after hurricane Katrina struck in New Orleans, Louisiana yesterday. Hellish scenes of death, damage, and chaos wracked the U.S. Gulf Coast yesterday as overwhelmed authorities tried to rescue the living and count the dead amid the destruction left by powerful Hurricane Katrina. - REUTERS PHOTOS
NEW YORK, (Reuters):
HURRICANE KATRINA, which tore through Louisiana killing hundreds of people and leaving more than 80 per cent of New Orleans underwater, also blew away the state's biggest source of revenue -- tourism.
New Orleans, most of which lies below sea level, drew more than 10 million visitors last year, creating 80,000 tourism- related jobs. But with most of the city underwater, the short-term prospects for the French Quarter and other hot spots are muddy.
FAR-REACHING IMPACT
"The hurricane will have a far-reaching impact on the tourism business," Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at the NPD Group, said in an interview. "And New Orleans is all about tourism. It's based on tourism. It will take at least six months before we see any signs of recovery on that front, if not more."
The storm, which has flooded the city and will paralyse it for weeks at least, has caused an estimated $25 billion in damage in three states.
But it could cost New Orleans -- home to some of the nation's biggest conventions and festivals -- billions of dollars more in lost revenue from tourism, as hotels and airports remain closed and conventioneers remain uncertain about the location of future events.
The Morial Convention Center in New Orleans is one of the largest meetings facilities in the nation, with more than 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The hurricane came just before autumn, which is the center's busiest convention season. More than 40 conventions are listed on its website.
The National Business Aviation Association is set to hold its annual convention in New Orleans on November 15-17, an event that drew more than 31,000 last year.
The organisation said it will closely monitor developments over the coming weeks and will assess the conditions at the convention centre, airport, surrounding hotels and restaurants, transportation infrastructure and other infrastructure required for the event.
