Multicultural Tourism: The Soul of New Orleans New Orleans is a diverse city and locals love to experience the flavor of our culture. So much of that culture encompasses the heritage of the diverse groups that helped to build our city. From the delicious food and the lively music, to the world-class architecture and unique customs, no one can deny New Orleans’ melting pot of multicultural distinctions. One organization is charged with being the guardian of that culture. The New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network (NOMTN) was established to strengthen the diversity of the community and promote and encourage multicultural travel to one of the most intriguing places in the world. The local nonprofit takes pride in promoting everything the city has to offer – especially the hidden gems that depict multicultural New Orleans. “The New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network has the incredible opportunity to promote multicultural tourism in New Orleans – a city that embraces the diversity of its people,” said LaDana Skidmore Williams, NOMTN’s newly appointed interim executive director. “We partner with local businesses, tourism entities and organizations to help keep the city we love in the hearts of travelers. That’s an amazing opportunity.” In New Orleans, there are so many experiences for tourists to take part in – festivals and events, sightseeing and art galleries, dining out and nightlife, and much more. However, it is NOMTN’s role to place a spotlight on the soulful stage that showcases the multicultural essence of the city. From the historic Congo Square to the newly revitalized Cultural Corridor, to so many places in between, tourists and locals can always find something fun to do in the Big Easy. Even though there is always something going on in New Orleans, next year will be a special reason to celebrate. 2018 marks the 300-year anniversary of New Orleans. In honor of the Tricentennial, NOTMN’s staff and 11-member board of directors is planning to incorporate cultural features into a campaign that will continue to highlight the rich culture and share the diverse history while telling the beautiful story of multicultural tourism to potential visitors from around the world. “We have exciting plans for multicultural tourism in the months ahead,” said Williams. “Through the partnerships we are building, we have opportunities to collaborate with dynamic organizations to elevate multicultural tourism in New Orleans. We have a unique mix of seasoned board members who are invested in the success of NOMTN, along with a group of new board members bringing positive energy and fresh ideas to the table. I am new to the organization as well, and as we refine our vision, there are strategies and ideas I plan to put into motion to help us get visitors to experience our culture. I believe we have the right formula for success, and I am excited to be a part of a team of such strong community leaders.” In addition to NOMTN’s staff, the board members work hard promoting the area’s rich culture to attract visitors to the city. “We are thrilled to have such a diverse group of professionals with such a long-standing history and expertise in the service and hospitality industry be a part of the board,” NOMTN’s board chair Essence Harris-Banks said. “We are poised to take the promotion of New Orleans’ multicultural heritage to a new level.” This is a vital time for the organization’s direction moving forward. Williams brings to her new role nearly two decades of tourism, marketing and management experience, both in and outside of Louisiana. NOMTN is also comprised of an esteemed group of board members from diverse professional backgrounds. Harris-Banks chairs a board that includes an impressive list of New Orleans area professionals – Jamal Brown, Angie Simon, Kelisha Garrett, Oscar Rainey, Josline Frank, Meagan Cook, Diane Lyons, Cyndi Nguyen, Barbara Waiters and Brandi Payton. “In New Orleans, our culture is who we are and why people visit,” Williams said. “When I travel to places outside the state, no matter how great my experience is, it never compares to home. New Orleans has a special, intangible quality. You can’t really describe it – you have to experience it. I love sharing that experience with others.” Essence H. Banks, MBA Chairman of the Board LaDana Skidmore Williams, Interim Executive Director MAY / J U N E 2 0 1 7 breakthrumediamagazine.com | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | 27
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