Surviving two bankruptcies and Hurricane Katrina, Harrah’s New Orleans property is set to reopen once again. The slowness of progress to rebuild and improve the levee system that should keep New Orleans in Louisiana from flooding has led to much criticism of the federal government, but Harrah’s is not waiting for the work to be completed before reopening its casino. In good time for Mardi Gras next Tuesday week, Harrah’s New Orleans will open its doors tomorrow, 17 February 2006.

With a commitment from Harrah’s to help rebuild the city’s tourism business, the first Mardi Gras parade starts after the reopening ceremony at noon, and the first 2,500 casino visitors will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The parades that are scheduled to continue through 28 February will be lower key than in previous years, as the great carnival city of New Orleans struggles to get its businesses back up and running in the midst of shortages in housing, health care and educational facilities.

Harrah’s New Orleans is restarting with around half the staff employed previously. The hurricane damage sustained by the casino, the only land-based one, was relatively minor when compared with the destruction of the riverboat operations in the Gulf Coast region. The entire casino floor area will open tomorrow with 2,000 slot machines and around 90 gaming tables. The large poker room and all the familiar bars and restaurants will be ready to welcome guests.

Over in Mississippi several casinos opened for business just before and after the New Year. The legislature in Mississippi moved fast to protect the state’s casino economy and business in Biloxi is booming at the moment, encouraged by the influx of construction workers and less competition from other casinos in the region that have yet to reopen. New Orleans is gradually improving and the first major convention since the hurricane will be held in the city next month.

It may be a while before New Orleans regains its place as a favourite tourist destination. Famous for its French Quarter and Mardi Gras celebrations, the city has long been a must for tourists from around the world. This year’s Mardi Gras may give some indication of how far along the road to recovery the city has come. (E-02.16.06)

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