New Orleans & Company is celebrating another successful Mardi Gras.
Officials will release full numbers next week, but they already know hotel occupancy reached 90% in New Orleans.
On Fat Tuesday, New Orleans & Company led a major satellite media tour from its St. Charles Avenue headquarters. The team broadcast live to 30 U.S. markets, which boosted national visibility for the city. Local outlets also aired live segments from the group’s balcony and added to the coverage during one of the busiest moments of Carnival.
The organization also hosted journalists from across the country and around the world. They experienced Mardi Gras up close and will share those stories with their audiences. Each Carnival season brings more than 70 parades and countless throws. The crowds include people of all ages and show how Mardi Gras remains a cultural tradition and a major economic driver.
Independent Tulane University research shows Mardi Gras adds almost $900 million to the local economy. It makes up more than 3% of New Orleans’ GDP. The event returns about $2.64 for every city dollar spent. After expenses, it brings in more than $28 million in net revenue for the city and more than $14 million in state tax revenue in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras 2026 also lined up with Presidents Day, which officials said created a long weekend and encouraged visitors to stay longer. The RecycleDat! program returned for its fourth year. It expanded recycling along parade routes and into new neighborhoods to support a more sustainable celebration.
According to early figures, the initiative diverted 13,983 pounds of recyclable material from landfills during the first two weekends of activity. The total includes more than 70,000 aluminum cans, 30,000 plastic bottles, 11,500 glass bottles and 16,000 throws.
Grounds Krewe leads the effort with New Orleans & Company, Glass Half Full, Osprey Initiative and the City of New Orleans Office of Sustainability. Entergy Corporation and Dr Pepper are presenting sponsors. The partners aim to make Mardi Gras more sustainable through on‑route recycling hubs, bar partnerships and community programs.
New Orleans & Company said the scale, coordination and economic impact of Mardi Gras show why the city is built to host major global events long after floats return to the krewe dens.
Officials are now looking ahead to the spring festival season and other major events on the way.
READ MORE:Mardi Gras proves New Orleans is built to host major events, tourism officials say
