Successful ‘Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash’ wraps up in New Orleans
New Orleans – Two spectacular college football games are in the books and so is BP’s successful Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash.
BP created the event in partnership with Gulf Coast tourism planners as a way to celebrate Gulf Coast culture, seafood and tourism – and to maximize exposure for the area during the Allstate Sugar Bowl and BCS National Championship.
Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash events included celebrity chef appearances by Emeril Lagasse and John Besh who both conducted dozens of national TV interviews to share Gulf seafood recipes and the news that the Gulf is open for business.
“We’re in heaven, the beaches are open and the seafood has never been better,” said Besh to a Chicago reporter. “It’s all about seafood and tourism for us and the city right now, here in New Orleans – it’s electric.”
Before the BCS National Championship game between LSU and Alabama on January 9, eight top New Orleans chefs prepared a 30-foot “Peacemaker” po’ boy stuffed with Louisiana shrimp and Alabama oysters. On hand for the ceremonial cutting of the po’ boy were Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne, as well as legendary quarterbacks Ken Stabler of Alabama and Bert Jones of LSU.
The message of quality seafood and clean beaches is what tourism planners hope visitors will take away from these events and their stay in New Orleans.
“Seafood and tourism are two of the best things about this unique region,” said Crystal Ashby, BP executive vice president of government and public affairs. “By working closely with the Gulf Coast’s seafood and tourism industries, we’ve been able to deliver a clear message that the Gulf's beaches, restaurants, fishing and attractions provide unsurpassed vacation experiences.”
As part of the festivities around both the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the BCS National Championship, BP gave away free samples of Gulf Seafood. They also provided a “dine around” experience to VIP’s. See coverage of the "dine around" from WKRG-TV in Mobile.
And while the football games are over, the Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash is giving away free vacation packages with a “text to win” sweepstakes until January 13. Any United States resident who is at least 18 years old can enter. Simply text GULFCST to 76060 for a chance to win a vacation to one of these four destinations: New Orleans; Biloxi, MS; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama; and Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Read complete rules for the text to win sweepstakes.
