The inaugural stop in America 250 celebration reinforces New Orleans as a global capital for culture and commerce that has shaped this country for centuries
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans & Company is excited to share the success of Sail 250, the first stop in the national maritime celebration of America’s 250th birthday, which highlighted New Orleans as a world-class host of international events that create economic impact, elevate our global profile, and bring our community together. It also reinforced that the Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans are foundational to the economy of the United States, the global supply chain and global connectivity, while our culture continues to shape American identity through music, cuisine, festivals, architecture, history and hospitality.
According to our data, 125,000 visitors came to the riverfront (Moonwalk and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park) for Sail 250 between the dates of May 28-31, which is up 500 percent over the same dates in 2025. Twenty seven thousand of those 125,000 came from 250 or more miles away, citing interest from regional travelers and beyond.
In addition to Sail 250, we hosted North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, multiple meetings and conventions and Memorial Day weekend travelers. Looking more broadly to the entire French Quarter and downtown area we welcomed 454,000 visitors between the dates of May 28 – 31, which is up by 52.3 percent or 140,000 visitors compared to the same dates in 2025.
Due to Sail 250, 50 Best, meetings and conventions and numerous other events, hotel occupancy was up every night year-over-year from May 25 -May 29, and down only by a few points for the night of May 30. For example, occupancy on May 27, 2026 was 64.2 percent compared to 45 percent the same time in 2025. *** Note hotel occupancy is only one measure of success as some visitors are day-trippers or stay with friends and family, or other accommodations such as short term rentals.
| Week of Memorial Day / Sail 250 | 2026 Hotel Occupancy FINAL* | 2025 Hotel Occupancy Final* |
| Monday (May 25, 2025) | 49% | 33.1% |
| Tuesday | 57.6% | 37.3% |
| Wednesday | 64.2% | 45% |
| Thursday | 56% | 52.3% |
| Friday | 65.4% | 64.1% |
| Saturday | 67.6% | 73.6% |
As the inaugural host city for Sail250, New Orleans was honored to welcome the world to our historic and vibrant riverfront from May 27- June 1, hosting seven visiting international tall ships as well as U.S. military ships representing the U.S. Coast Guard Heartland, United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE, USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), USS Faragut, United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, HNLMS Friesland Netherlands, ARC Gloria of Colombia, Esmeralda of Chile, Libertad of Buenos Aires, BAP Unión of Peru, and Rou Capitán Miranda of Uruguay.
From the 21 gun welcome gun salute Wednesday, May 27 at Jackson Barracks as the USS Keursage arrived in port to the Family Fun Day and Louisiana Seafood Cookoff Sunday, May 31, culminating with the Blessing of the Fleet on departure day Monday, June 1, the five days of celebrating maritime history created lasting memories for so many, including the visiting service men and women. Next stops for Sail 250 are Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City and Boston.
Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company said, “Sail 250 was a significant success for New Orleans. The event welcomed more than 100,000 residents and visitors to our riverfront, generated national and international media attention, showcased one of the most impressive flotillas ever assembled on the Mississippi River, and reinforced New Orleans’ role as America’s current and historic maritime gateway. Just as importantly, it positioned our city at the forefront of the nation’s America 250 commemoration.”
“The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team belong to the American people,” said Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Commander Neil Koprowski. “As the first stop, Sail 250 New Orleans demonstrated to Louisiana and the nation who we are, what we do, and most importantly, how committed we are to serving this country.”
Sail 250 New Orleans was the result of an extraordinary collaboration between public, private, and maritime partners who shared a common vision: showcasing New Orleans and Louisiana to the world. From the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, Mayor Helena Moreno and The City of NOLA, the New Orleans City Council to the support of the Port of New Orleans our maritime community, sponsors, volunteers, and countless partners behind the scenes.
Governor Landry said, “Sail 250 showcased what we have always known, Louisiana is a key part of our country’s story. From the Mississippi River that drives our economy, to the culture and history that define our people, we were proud to welcome the world to New Orleans and kick off America’s 250th anniversary celebration. This was a great event for our State, our maritime industry, and our local businesses. And it’s a fitting reminder that we also have the Louisiana Purchase on display, a powerful symbol of how Louisiana helped shape the growth of this nation.”
“It was incredible to welcome ships from around the world and see families, residents, and visitors come together along our riverfront for a truly memorable celebration,” says Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans. “Events like this give us a unique opportunity to showcase the culture, hospitality, and spirit that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world. We are proud to have been the first stop of this historic national celebration and to have helped launch America’s 250th anniversary in such an unforgettable way.”
“Sail250 was a tremendous success for the Port of New Orleans and our maritime community. We were honored to welcome international visitors from around the world to showcase New Orleans’ maritime heritage and hospitality on a global stage,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO, Port of New Orleans. “We are deeply grateful to all our partners whose contributions helped make this celebration truly memorable.”
BRG Hospitality Co-founder and Co-owner of Delacroix Octavio Mantilla said, “Sail 250 was an incredible moment for New Orleans and brought new attention to the riverfront and introduced so many visitors to the businesses, restaurants and culture that make our city so special. For Delacroix, the event connected everything we love about this city – the river, people and an energy that felt unmistakably New Orleans. Chef Wiley’s win at the seafood cookoff was truly the icing on the cake and a proud moment for our team.”
In addition, New Orleans & Company brought North America’s 50 Best restaurant awards to the city on May 28th, when the list of the top 50 restaurants in North America was revealed in a city brimming with culinary expertise. The event brought some of the most influential chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists, and hospitality leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean to New Orleans.
During the second annual award ceremony, New Orleans chefs and restaurants received huge honors.
Emeril Lagasse received a special honor, the Seven Rooms Icon Award. Emeril’s made the list at number 20. Dakar NOLA was number four on the top 50 list and also was named Best Restaurant in the South USA. Acamaya ranked as number 30. For the full list, please click here.
Hosting Sail 250, North America’s 50 Best – as well as other major events this year such as Rockin’ 1000, Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup – are part of an intentional strategy by New Orleans & Company to drive business and elevate our cultural assets on a global scale. These events draw in tourists as well as local residents, and position the city as a historical and cultural landmark. The melting pot of New Orleans is flush with culture just waiting to be celebrated, and New Orleans & Company bolsters that energy, truly allowing our city and community to thrive.
Full list of Sail 250 Sponsors:
- New Orleans & Company
- Port of New Orleans
- T. Parker Host
- The State of Louisiana & Office of Governor Jeff Landry
- The City of New Orleans & Office of Mayor Helena Moreno
- Associated Branch Pilots
- Cooper T. Smith / Crescent Towing
- Crescent River Port Pilots
- EN Bisso & Son, Inc.
- Moran Towing Corporation
- Audubon Nature Institute
- MCCNO – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- Ochsner Health System
- The New Orleans Saints Organization
- Associated Federal Pilots of Louisiana
- Associated Mooring (Associated Terminals)
- Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, L.L.C.
- BRG Hospitality
- JonesWalker
- LCMC Health
- Louisiana America 250 Commission
- Coaxum Enterprises, Inc.
- Gallo Mechanical
- Hancock Whitney Bank
- KeanMiller
- Laborde Marine Management
- LAZ Parking
- LEMOINE
- Louisiana Blue Foundation
- Louisiana Seafood & Office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
- Louisiana State Museum – Cabildo Museum
- New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA)
- Norton Lilly International
- NOTCF
- RiseImpact Capital, LLC
- Partners & Friends of Sail 250 New Orleans
- AOS Interior Environments
- Harbor Police Department
- Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)
- Louisiana National Guard
- NOCCI – Event Marketing and Logistics
- Pennsylvania Ship Services, LLC
- Ports Association of Louisiana
- The Boot
- The Historic New Orleans Collection
- The Louisiana State Police
- The National World War II Museum
- The New Orleans Police Department
- The USO Louisiana | Mississippi
- United States Army
- United States Coast Guard
- United States Marine Corp.
- United States Navy
About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, its mission is to inspire, promote, and encourage travel to the city for the economic, social, and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. For more information, visit NewOrleans.com.