The University of New Orleans’ Hospitality Research Center, housed in the College of Business Administration, has been awarded a grant to assess the economic impact of the 2025 Mardi Gras season across Louisiana. The project is led by principal investigator Yvette N. Green, a faculty member in the Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration.

The $49,034 grant was awarded by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The research aims to provide a comprehensive economic analysis of Mardi Gras celebrations in several of the state’s metropolitan statistical areas, focusing on the period from February 26 through March 4, 2025.

The study will examine spending associated with out-of-town visitors who travel to Louisiana primarily for Mardi Gras. Both day visitors and overnight guests will be included in the analysis. The research will also capture spending by businesses and sponsors attending or supporting the events, offering a fuller picture of Mardi Gras' economic reach.

This new study will build on the Hospitality Research Center's previous work by supplying timely, location-specific data that can inform strategic planning and policy decisions related to tourism and festival management. Results are expected to help state and local stakeholders and policymakers better understand the economic impact of this iconic Louisiana cultural tradition.