Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Tue October 28, 2025
Rachel Funel, New Orleans & Company (Photo Credit: Rachel Funel)
Bio
Being born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Rachel Funel has a strong passion for New Orleans people, food and culture. She’s had the honor to be part of the New Orleans hospitality industry for the past 15 years. During Funel’s time with Visit New Orleans, she’s had the privilege to win several awards for the various markets she has worked. For instance, New Orleans & Company has won 4 Best of Wedding awards during her time and is now in the Hall of Fame category due to the time and effort spent with destination wedding clients.
They've also had the privilege to be nominated each year for her Travel Advisor support by Travel Weekly. The destination has consistently won each year. During her time in the role, she played a key part in the development of the wedding guide, which was the first of its kind for the DMO to produce. It's a work of art she says, and is truly a beautiful piece that continues to be produced yearly.
Rachel is 38 years old.
"Being named to the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 is an incredible honor that recognizes my 15 years of dedication and passion for the travel industry," said Rachel. "It reflects the hard work, partnerships, and innovation that have shaped my career as a travel supplier. I’m truly grateful to be included among such inspiring professionals who are helping shape the future of travel."
Industry References
“It has been one of my great joys to watch Rachel Funel's professional journey unfold, said Keith I. Marszalek. "Rachel worked for me as the primary listings intern for NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune during the years following Hurricane Katrina, as the city worked to rebuild itself and at the same time welcome visitors back. She impressed immediately with energy, curiosity, and professionalism beyond her years. Excitedly setting her own goals and raising the bar on a daily basis. Since then, she has become a person to know and be known by in New Orleans' travel and tourism, distinguished by her infectious enthusiasm that makes people want to work with her. Even from afar, her work with New Orleans & Company shines, Rachel's focus h a s always been to build lasting service-focused relationships that strengthen a city built on hospitality. She embodies the qualities that this city loves and recognizes: a culture- bearing soul whose achievements are matched only by her drive, realness, and passion for connecting people to this city."
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