U.S. Commerce Department official in N.O. for National Tourism Week

New Orleans CityBusiness, May 14, 2007

Ana Guevara, deputy assistant secretary of services for the U.S. Commerce Department, will speak to the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Guevara will address New Orleans officials during National Tourism Week, which started Saturday and runs through Sunday.

This year's theme is "What the Future of Tourism Looks Like for the Nation and New Orleans."

Guevara will detail the federal government's efforts to help the Gulf Coast's travel and tourism industry rebound from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She will also brief attendees on the state of the tourism industry from a government perspective.

At the Commerce Department, Guevara oversees three units dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. service industries.

The 24th Annual National Tourism Week, sponsored by the Travel Industry Association, is commemorated by states, cities and organizations across the nation. TIA's goal is to underscore the economic, social and cultural impacts of travel through events and celebrations.