Lodge demand in New Orleans is anticipated to rise through the second weekend of the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Competition, with projected occupancy charges outpacing final 12 months’s ranges throughout all 4 pageant nights, in accordance with New Orleans & Firm.

The tourism advertising group stated Friday and Saturday lodge occupancy is forecast to achieve the low 90% vary through the pageant’s second weekend, reflecting continued energy in each leisure journey and convention-related bookings.

Projected occupancy for Thursday night time stands at 86%, up from 72% throughout the identical interval in 2025. Friday occupancy is anticipated to climb to 91%, in contrast with 79% final 12 months, whereas Saturday is projected at 92%, up from 84%. Sunday occupancy is forecast to achieve 71%, in contrast with 66% in 2025.

The annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Competition stays one of many metropolis’s largest tourism drivers, attracting guests from throughout the U.S. and overseas whereas boosting demand for accommodations, eating places and leisure venues.

New Orleans & Firm attributed the anticipated features to a mixture of trip vacationers and conference exercise, each of which the group stated are pacing forward of 2025 ranges.

The group additionally plans to host worldwide media representatives through the pageant in an effort to generate further protection and encourage future tourism to town.

The pageant has lengthy served as a significant financial engine for the native hospitality business, notably through the spring tourism season.