KEY TAKEAWAYS: New riverfront park will provide 2.25 miles of public access along the Mississippi River Expanded flights and long-term airport plan aim to boost global connectivity Major events lineup includes Hondo Rodeo Fest, Zurich Classic, LIV Golf and X Games Tourism and conventions gener ate over $2 billion annually, supporting local businesses   New Orleans Company has outlined a slate of major events, infrastructure projects and cultural offerings it says will drive visitation and economic growth in 2026 following a strong Mardi Gras season. The organization’s latest “What’s New in New Orleans” report highlights expanded international air service, a transformed riverfront and a packed calendar of festivals and sporting events as key factors strengthening the city’s position as a global destination. Among the most significant developments is the opening of the Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a new public space along the Mississippi River. The park, opening in April, will provide nearly 2.25 miles of continuous riverfront access, connecting Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park for the first time in generations. Air travel capacity is also expanding. British Airways plans to increase flights between New Orleans and London Heathrow to four per week, while officials unveiled a 20-year master plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport that includes a second terminal, additional gates and expanded infrastructure. City leaders and tourism officials say these investments are critical to accommodating future demand and maintaining the city’s competitiveness in the global travel market. A series of high-profile events is expected to further boost visitation. The inaugural Hondo Rodeo Fest will debut at the Caesars Superdome in April, while the Zurich Classic of New Orleans returns later that month at TPC Louisiana. The city will also host LIV Golf Louisiana in June and the X Games Championship in July, bringing international exposure and tourism dollars. In addition, New Orleans will host the 2026 edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants and kick off the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration with Sail 250, featuring historic vessels along the riverfront. Tourism officials also pointed to long-term economic opportunities, including the city’s selection to host IPW 2027, a major international travel trade show expected to draw thousands of global buyers and media. Hospitality infrastructure continues to expand alongside demand. Several major hotel projects and renovations are underway, including upgrades at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Omni Royal Orleans, as well as a planned 1,000-room headquarters hotel near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Officials said meetings and conventions remain a cornerstone of the local economy, generating more than $2 billion in annual direct spending and supporting small businesses across the region. Cultural developments are also contributing to the city’s momentum. A new immersive musical, “Last Night at the Rue Bayou,” will premiere in April, while local artists have been selected to participate in the 2026 La Biennale di Venezia in Italy. Meanwhile, continued investments in parks, museums and transportation — including expanded rail service along the Gulf Coast and additional nonstop flights — are aimed at enhancing both visitor experience and quality of life for residents. Tourism leaders say the combination of new attractions, global events and infrastructure improvements positions New Orleans for sustained growth. “This momentum reflects a broader strategy to strengthen New Orleans as a place to live, work and visit,” the organization said in its report. ...read more read less