Tessa Quinn
New Orleans is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. The city's vibrant culture, famous events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, major sporting events, and large convention centers make it a desirable place to visit. The hospitality industry in New Orleans is a significant contributor to the region's economy and a source of employment for thousands of residents. However, the exact number of hospitality workers in New Orleans has been a subject of debate, with industry leaders claiming over 80,000 to 100,000 jobs, while a report by the Data Center estimates a smaller number of around 30,000. The majority of these jobs are in hotels, with about 11,647 people working in various roles across 161 hotels in the city. The industry also faces scrutiny for low-wage work and a lack of long-term career paths, prompting discussions about economic and racial inequity among workers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitality workers in New Orleans | Estimates vary, with some sources claiming over 80,000 or even 100,000, while others put the figure closer to 30,000 or 72,000. |
| Number of hospitality workers in Orleans Parish | 15,458 |
| Number of people working in hotels | 11,647 |
| Percentage of total jobs in New Orleans | 5.6% |
| Most common job | Maids and housekeeping (22%) |
| Second most common job | Desk clerks |
| Race/ethnicity of restaurant workers | 47% White, 39% African-American, 7% Hispanic, 4% Asian |
| Age of restaurant workers | 39% are 35 or older |
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What You'll Learn
New Orleans' hospitality industry is the city's largest employer
New Orleans is a highly desirable tourist destination, with famous events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, major sporting events, and one of the nation's largest convention centers. It's no surprise, then, that the city's hospitality industry is its largest employer.
The industry provides a diverse range of career opportunities, from entry-level to skilled positions, and supports the local economy by employing over 72,000 people, or approximately 12% of all workers in the region. This includes jobs in hotels, restaurants, festivals, events, casinos, and entertainment.
While there is some debate about the exact number of jobs in the industry, with estimates ranging from 30,000 to over 100,000, it is clear that hospitality plays a significant role in the city's economy. The bulk of these jobs are in the 161 hotels located in the city, with about 11,647 people working in roles such as housekeeping, mechanical engineering, desk clerks, and maintenance.
The New Orleans & Company, formerly known as the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, promotes the tourism industry and works to ensure that it benefits all residents and visitors. They claim that more than 89,000 employees are directly employed in tourism, a number that includes culture-bearers who shape and carry on the city's traditions.
The hospitality industry in New Orleans offers a range of advantages, including providing jobs for individuals without college degrees or seeking part-time employment. However, there is also a recognition that low-wage positions may not offer long-term career paths, and there has been a push for better support and unionization among workers. Despite these challenges, the industry is projected to experience strong employment growth in the next decade.
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The number of hospitality workers is disputed
New Orleans is a major tourist destination, with its famous events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, major sporting events, and one of the nation's largest convention centers. It's no surprise, then, that the city's tourism and hospitality industry is a significant driver of the region's economy and a major employer. However, the exact number of hospitality workers in New Orleans is a matter of dispute.
Some industry leaders and officials have claimed that the industry employs more than 80,000 people, with some estimates even reaching over 100,000. These numbers include a wide range of jobs, from entry-level positions to skilled roles, and they highlight the industry's contribution to the local economy. However, these figures have been disputed by reports from the Data Center, a local nonprofit research group. Their analysis suggests that the number of residents who rely directly on tourism for their livelihood is closer to 30,000. This discrepancy may be due in part to the inclusion of jobs in "supersectors" like arts, entertainment, and recreation, which may not directly relate to tourism.
The Data Center's report also draws attention to the industry's low-wage structure and the potential lack of long-term career paths for workers. It estimates that full-service restaurant jobs paid an average of $29,464, including tips, in 2017. This has sparked discussions about economic and racial inequity in the industry, with a focus on supporting low-wage workers who make up a significant portion of the hospitality workforce.
While the exact number of hospitality workers in New Orleans may be difficult to pinpoint due to differing definitions and methodologies, it is clear that the industry is a vital part of the city's economy and workforce. The debate surrounding the number of jobs highlights the complexity of quantifying the impact of tourism and hospitality on the local community. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to consider not only the quantity of jobs but also the quality and sustainability of these positions for the workers who form the backbone of New Orleans' renowned hospitality sector.
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Hospitality workers are often low-wage
New Orleans is a popular destination for tourists, hosting 10.5 million visitors in 2017, its highest number since 2004. The city boasts one of the nation's largest convention centres and numerous hotels, restaurants, festivals, events, casinos and entertainment venues. As a result, the region has a thriving hospitality industry, with more than 89,000 employees directly employed in tourism.
However, the city's hospitality workers are often low-wage. In 2017, workers at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the city's largest hotel, voted to unionize, a rare move locally. Unite Here, the union, represents roughly 500 Hilton employees, as well as about 1,500 other workers in the area. The move towards unionization is an attempt to improve wages and working conditions for hospitality workers, who have long been underpaid and faced economic and racial inequity.
A report by the Data Center estimates that the number of New Orleans residents who make a living from tourism is closer to 30,000, significantly lower than industry-led estimates of over 80,000. The report acknowledges that the industry supports a range of earnings levels, but these jobs are less likely to offer middle- and high-earning wages compared to other industries in the city.
The issue of low wages for hospitality workers in New Orleans is not a new one. In 2018, a group of hospitality workers protested at a meeting of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., demanding a free health care clinic funded by the city's hotel occupancy tax. While hospitality leaders and city officials expressed support, no concrete action was taken.
Unionization has been proposed as a solution to lift wages and improve working conditions for hospitality workers in New Orleans. Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project, believes that with the right critical mass of union shops, the benefits will extend even to non-union shops. However, New Orleans has not traditionally had a strong union presence like other tourism cities such as Las Vegas and New York. The recent unionization of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside is a step towards changing that, and labor leaders hope it will give them a long-sought foothold in the industry.
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Hospitality work may not offer a long-term career path
New Orleans is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists, with famous events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, major sporting events, and one of the nation's largest convention centers. The city's hospitality industry is robust, with over 89,000 employees in tourism alone.
Despite the abundance of hospitality jobs in New Orleans, there are several reasons why hospitality work may not be seen as a long-term career path. Firstly, hospitality work is often associated with low pay, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. These factors can deter people from considering hospitality as a long-term career choice and can lead to high stress levels, especially in highly-rated venues.
Additionally, there is a lack of exposure to food-related studies and career guidance in hospitality, making it less likely for young people to envision a career in this field. The perception of hospitality work as a "last resort" or a means to an end before finding a "real job" persists. This perception can be confusing, as some people find hospitality work engaging and creatively fulfilling, offering benefits such as community engagement.
Furthermore, the hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with new facilities and locations opening up. While this can provide opportunities for advancement and relocation, it can also create an uncertain work environment. The dynamic nature of the industry may not appeal to those seeking long-term stability.
However, it is important to note that the hospitality industry offers diverse career paths, including luxury hospitality, event planning, hotel management, tourism, and food and beverage roles. It provides transferable skills such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are valuable across various industries. Organizations like Countertalk and Healthy Hospo are working to improve the industry by focusing on the mental well-being of workers and providing networking opportunities. Ultimately, while hospitality work may not be seen as a traditional long-term career path, it offers advantages such as professional development, career advancement, and dynamic work environments.
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Hospitality work provides opportunities for those without high school/college degrees
Hospitality work provides a plethora of opportunities for individuals without high school or college degrees. The hospitality industry in New Orleans, for instance, is robust, encompassing hotels, restaurants, festivals, events, casinos, and entertainment. This diverse range of offerings translates into a wide array of career options, many of which do not require formal educational qualifications.
The hospitality industry in New Orleans thrives on the multitude of visitors the city attracts each year. With famous events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, major sporting events, and one of the nation's largest convention centers, New Orleans draws a substantial number of tourists. This influx of visitors fuels the demand for hospitality services, creating numerous job opportunities.
Hotels and resorts, a significant component of the hospitality industry, often seek entry-level team members who can answer phones, work in housekeeping or repairs, or deliver room service. These positions typically do not require a high school diploma or degree, as employers prioritize candidates with strong soft skills, such as being helpful and friendly, over academic qualifications.
Additionally, the hospitality industry in New Orleans offers on-the-job training, which benefits candidates without formal education. This training equips employees with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles, placing those without degrees on equal footing with their more formally educated counterparts. The industry's practice of promoting from within further enhances the career prospects for individuals starting in entry-level positions.
While some hospitality jobs, such as server or bartender, have traditionally been accessible without a degree, certain advanced positions are now preferring candidates with college degrees. However, even in these cases, on-the-job experience is highly valued and can often substitute for formal education. For instance, hotel management positions may require a degree, but employers may also consider candidates with extensive experience in the hospitality industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Estimates vary wildly, with figures ranging from 30,000 to over 100,000.
The Data Center's analysis includes only residents who make their living from tourism, whereas hospitality leaders include jobs in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services.
Jobs in the hospitality industry range from entry-level positions such as housekeeping and maintenance to mechanical engineering and management.
The hospitality and tourism industry is a major driver of the region's economy, employing more than 72,000 people, or 12% of all workers.
