The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau sent two of its executives to the Philippines to help the country grapple with the aftereffects of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the destination in November.
The CVB said Tourism Promotions Board Philippines contacted the CVB - which weathered Hurricane Katrina and the BP Oil spill - for advice.
The late January trip included New Orleans CVB's Brad Weaber, executive vice president; and Kelly Schulz, vice president of communications and public relations. The two traveled to Manila, Cebu and Boracay. While there, they met with Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., secretary of tourism for the Philippines.
Weaber and Schulz also strategized with tourism officials and tour operators.
"Gaining such insight from New Orleans tourism leaders has been an invaluable process," said Domingo Ramon C. Enerio, III, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. "The CVB shared their experiences and learnings, best practices and immediate recommendations on how to reclaim the Philippines as a top destination. We are looking ahead with great optimism to our future and want everyone to know that the Philippines is open for business."
Philippines tourism officials said that the majority of the country's 7,107 islands are open for business.
"Travel and tourism are essential pieces of the puzzle in rebuilding a destination following such devastation as seen in the Philippines," said Weaber. "What we experienced in New Orleans, while different, is similar in terms of feeling the loss of a city, community, friends, and family. We reacted quickly. We set short and long-term goals. And we drew visitors to New Orleans, which helped rebuild the infrastructure, restore jobs for our citizens and strengthen the economy."
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