"It's really a personal invitation to our neighbors in Texas to come to New Orleans and follow their NOLA," said Mark Romig, President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) May 01, 2014
Next week is National Tourism Week so New Orleans will visit Texas to remind its neighbors that NOLA is only a short drive away. The colorful and hard to miss "Follow Your NOLA" food truck will visit Houston, Austin, and Dallas after stopping first this weekend at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
"When people see our 'Follow Your NOLA' food truck, they won't be able to resist it," said Mark Romig, President and CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC). "It's really a personal invitation to our neighbors in Texas to come to New Orleans and follow their NOLA."
In addition to the food truck, an eight-foot-tall NOLA fleur de lis compass will greet those who arrive, and award those who spin it with giveaways and prizes that include among other items, attraction passes, restaurant gift cards, and cooking classes. There is even a chance to win one of four sweepstakes packages featuring New Orleans hotel stays, dining, and attractions.
The "Follow Your NOLA" compass is shaped like the city's symbol, the fleur de lis, and awards a prize on every spin. It mirrors the campaign's website, followyournola.com, and is divided into seven categories that represent all the city has to offer for a truly immersive trip:
Rhythm: festivals, live music, clubs, icons, concerts
Flavor: restaurants, wine bars, markets, cafes, seafood, eateries
Spirit: craft cocktail bars, voodoo shops, nightlife
Fire: theaters, arts, studios, revelry, crafts
Curiosity: attractions, museums, neighborhoods, history
Adventure: architecture, outdoors, riverboats, swamp tours
Style: shops, boutiques, vintage, modern, antiques
Lagniappe: something extra that is NOLA inspired
Authentic cultural experiences may be won, like a live performance by jazz trumpeter Alvarez "B.I.G. Al" Huntley from the Hot 8 Brass Band in the 'rhythm' category, and the Blackfoot Hunters' Mardi Gras Indian Chief, Donald Claude in full regalia singing and dancing in the 'spirit' category.
Food will be the star, however, as Texas is tempted by NOLA to taste the many reasons to drive or fly to visit. Executive Chef Brian Landry of Borgne, A John Besh restaurant, will treat those who visit the truck to both cooking demonstrations and food samples.
Samples of New Orleans cuisine will include:
When the "Follow Your NOLA" compass lands on 'Flavor,' if the prize is a cooking demonstration, the winner will be deliciously rewarded. In New Orleans, outside of Jazz Fest, Chef Landry will prepare Louisiana crawfish malfatti on Friday; garlic clove shrimp on Saturday; and oyster milk stew on Sunday. In Houston, he will prepare oyster milk soup; in Austin, a fried oyster and Chappapeela pork belly open face BLT; and in Dallas, oyster spaghetti.
"With our great food, music and culture, New Orleans offers a truly unique visitor experience. We are excited to bring pieces of the New Orleans package on the road and welcome our neighbors in Texas to experience the city first hand. Jazz Fest is one of our most dynamic festivals, and a great place to launch this campaign," said Stephen Perry, President and CEO of New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB).
Anyone can join the "Follow Your NOLA” food truck tour. Follow it on Twitter or Instagram by searching #FollowYourNOLA.
Dates, locations, and times for the food truck tour:
New Orleans Jazz Fest: May 2, 3101 Esplanade Avenue from 10:30am to 4:30pm
(NOLA Press Availability: 10:30am to 12:30pm)
New Orleans Jazz Fest: May 3, 3101 Esplanade Avenue from 11:00am to 5:00pm
New Orleans Jazz Fest: May 4, 3101 Esplanade Avenue from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Houston: May 6, Discovery Green Park's White Promenade from 1pm to 7pm
(Houston Press Availability: 1:30pm to 3:30pm)
Austin: May 8, Congress Avenue at 7th Street (parking lot at 103 East 7th Street) from 11:30am to 5:30pm
(Austin Press Availability: Noon to 2:00pm)
Dallas: May 10, Knox-Henderson (2323 N. Henderson Avenue) from 9am to 3pm
(Dallas Press Availability: 10am to 12pm)
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About the Follow Your NOLA Campaign
The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) summer ad campaign includes an event activation, paid advertising, and an enhanced website that will engage the experiential traveler. The campaign was created by digital marketing agency 360i in collaboration with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC).
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