NEW ORLEANS -- A spokeswoman for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors' Bureau is optimistic about 2009 but says officials early in the year will be watching whether the national recession affects tourism numbers.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Alaska tourism officials say 2009 could be a bleak year for the state's visitor industry. Some are even projecting decreases in business of about 30 percent.

Alaska tourism officials say 2009 could be a bleak year for the state's visitor industry.

LINCOLN — One way tourism officials draw visitors to Nebraska is by sponsoring promotions for travel writers who call attention to places and events farther down the tourism funnel.

The arrival marks the beginning of what tourism officials hope will be a banner winter season in the Interior.

New Delhi, Dec. 29: Incredible India’s sagging appeal has found its viagra — in a female Womanizer. Pop diva Britney Spears plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India, sending tourism officials into paroxysms of delight at a time many foreigners have cancelled trips to the terror-hit country.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - The first of 18 charter flights direct from Japan has landed in Fairbanks. The arrival of Japanese tourists marks the start of what tourism officials are hoping is a banner winter season.

ANNAPOLIS - Local tourism officials are hoping the road to the inauguration goes through Anne Arundel.

FAIRBANKS — The first of 18 charter flights direct from Japan landed in Fairbanks on Saturday morning, marking the start of what tourism officials are hoping is a banner winter season.

LINCOLN — One way tourism officials draw visitors to Nebraska is by sponsoring promotions for travel writers who call attention to places and events farther down the tourism funnel.

On Feb. 1, tens of thousands of rabid football fans will descend on the city of Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII, which will be held this year at Raymond James Stadium.

OSAKA (Kyodo) Tourism officials in Osaka gathered Friday at the city's landmark Tsutenkaku Tower to pass the torch to a cow, next year's animal in the Chinese zodiac, from 2008's mouse. Wishing for a better business year during an annual yearend ceremony, the officials introduced a young Holstein to three mice on the second floor of the tower, a popular tourist spot in downtown Osaka.

Phoenix officials hope that spending $600 million of taxpayers money on a new convention center will lead to bigger conventions downtown. With its opening Saturday, tourism officials predict the complex will bring $400 million in indirect spending to the region in 2009.

Phoenix officials hope that spending $600 million of taxpayers money on a new convention center will lead to bigger conventions downtown. With its opening Saturday, tourism officials predict the complex will bring $400 million in indirect spending to the region in 2009.

TOURISM officials have denied some prestigious events on the Eastbourne calendar — including Airbourne — may be in jeopardy. (24/12/2008 11:24:23)

Hawaii versus Notre Dame will showcase state’s beautiful weather

LINCOLN — One way tourism officials draw visitors to Nebraska is by sponsoring promotions for travel writers who call attention to places and events farther down the tourism funnel.

THE establishment of a Legoland Malaysia theme park in Iskandar Malaysia by 2013 will help transform Johor into an international tourist hotspot, local tourism officials and authorities say.

THE establishment of a Legoland Malaysia theme park in Iskandar Malaysia by 2013 will help transform Johor into an international tourist hotspot, local tourism officials and authorities say.

In boxing terms, San Diego tourism is headed next year for one heck of a shiner. What's uncertain is whether it will dodge the bloodied nose and broken hand to go with it, according to some tourism experts. On the heels of jaw-dropping November declines in hotel occupancy, rooms sold and room revenue, local tourism officials yesterday significantly revised downward their 2009 forecast for ...

GALVESTON — Tourism officials hope to be able to reopen Apffel Park next year, but the pavilion will not be ready for visitors by then.

GALVESTON — Tourism officials hope to be able to reopen Apffel Park next year, but the pavilion will not be ready for visitors by then.

GALVESTON — Tourism officials hope to be able to reopen Apffel Park next year, but the pavilion will not be ready for visitors by then.