DDD Celebrates Opening of The Shop’s South Market Location and Expansion of TrayAway
NEW ORLEANS —
The Downtown Development District (DDD) announced today that Downtown New Orleans experienced a significant increase in visitor traffic during Sail 250 weekend, according to newly available Placer.ai foot traffic data.
From May 29th–31st, Downtown recorded approximately 439,200 visits, a 31.5% increase compared to the same weekend in 2025. The data also show approximately 130,000 local visits over the weekend, representing a 45% year-over-year increase. For the purpose of this release, local visits are counted as those who reside within a 10-mile radius of Downtown New Orleans.
“Major events like Sail 250 showcase the unique assets, like the Mississippi River, that make Downtown New Orleans a destination for visitors from around the world and the region,” said Seth Knudsen, President & CEO of the Downtown Development District. “The significant increase in both overall and local visitation demonstrates Downtown’s ability to host large-scale events that attract new audiences and create opportunities for our businesses, cultural institutions, and hospitality partners. It also served as an exciting kickoff to Summer Starts Downtown, highlighting the energy, experiences, and attractions that make Downtown the place to be.”
Sail 250 brought a fleet of international tall ships, military vessels, public ship tours, fireworks, educational programming, and waterfront festivities to New Orleans as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. As the inaugural U.S. host city for the celebration, New Orleans welcomed vessels and crews from countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, transforming the Mississippi River waterfront into an international showcase of maritime heritage and cultural exchange.
The event was made possible through the leadership and collaboration of New Orleans & Company, the City of New Orleans, and the Port of New Orleans, along with numerous community partners who helped bring the multi-day celebration to life.
While Downtown recorded approximately 439,200 non-resident visits overall, the growth in local visitation highlights Sail 250’s success in attracting new audiences from within the New Orleans region and reintroducing them to Downtown’s businesses, attractions, restaurants, and public spaces.