New Orleans Shootout: Agents Share Tips for Staying Safe

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The June 29 shootout on Bourbon Street in New Orlean’s French Quarter that injured nine people will not deter travel agents from selling the city, according to an informal poll of agents.  

“I have been visiting New Orleans annually since I was in my twenties,” said Ann Waters of Travel Leaders in Fort Wayne, Ind. “I consider it my adopted hometown and the recent violence that has touched the tourist community – like Bourbon Street, the French Quarter and even the St Charles corridor – saddens me, but it won’t stop my visits nor my advocacy of New Orleans as a ‘must-see’ destination.” 

Agents agreed that the best thing travelers can arm themselves with when visiting large cities where crime may be an issue is common sense. “Be super aware of your surroundings,” said Waters. “Move away as quickly as possible from altercations or large gatherings.”

Judy Nidetz, a travel advisor with Travel Experts in Chicago, noted the crime is a consideration when visiting any large city. “I would always recommend checking for any current travel warnings provided by the www.travel.state.gov web site,” she said. “No matter what city you are in, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and what’s going on around you.”

Nidetz suggested asking the hotel front desk their opinion about walking in tourist areas after dark. “Don’t take unregistered taxis, or better yet, only take taxis arranged by the hotel front desk, and pre-arrange a pick up time and place,” she said.

It’s also important that travelers not call attention to themselves. “Do not bring your good jewelry, your designer handbags or your Rolex watch,” said Claire Schoeder, an agent with Century Travel in Atlanta. “Don’t flash your cash.”

For her part, Waters said travelers might want to consider not staying out until all hours of the night. Either way, she suggests asking hotel staff for safe ways back to the property. “Never park in the outskirts of any tourist area, even if you have to pay a little more in parking,” she said.

 In a statement, Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the organization “has complete confidence in the New Orleans Police Department and supports their No. 1 goal of preserving and protecting the quality of life of our citizens, and ensuring the highest quality experience for our visitors.”

A joint statement from the New Orleans CVB and Mark Romig, president and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation had this to say: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the shooting and for their speedy recovery. The NOPD officers are to be commended for responding quickly and effectively to the situation.”