As the state’s tourism industry is still recovering from the 2020 pandemic fallout, a fourth surge is already prompting the cancellation of major events, like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans and Company Spokesperson, Kelly Schulz, encourages those in the industry to remain optimistic.
“We’ve got to focus on what can happen with tourism, and we need to focus on getting past this current spike and try to stay as optimistic as we can,” said Schulz.
So far Schulz said they have a number of conventions still on the books for the fall and they are hopeful because the majority are privately controlled events. But she believes the cancellation of Jazz Fest this year is a blow the state shouldn’t have to take.
“Unlike last fall this is all completely preventable with vaccines. So that is what is so disappointing and frustrating about this situation,” said Schulz.
She said Jazz Fest’s cancellation is not only financially devastating for the state it’s a tradition that means so much emotionally for residents also.
“It’s about who we are and our musicians and our artists and our food vendors, all of that is not going to happen this year primarily because part of our population has chosen not to get vaccinated,” said Schulz.
Jazz Fest plans to return to its Spring timeframe next year right now it’s scheduled for April 29 through May 8, 2022.
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