We've never done anything like this before. Our mission has always been to bring tourism to New York City. But the time is right for tourists to begin returning to New Orleans, and New Yorkers are always trendsetters.

From Harlem to Queens, New York City has always been at the center of the jazz music evolution. This festival will further establish New York City as the premier destination for experiencing live jazz music.

Our city's tourism industry, which is now enjoying record highs, was revitalized with help and support from the many patriotic tourism visitors who traveled to New York following September 11th. We expect that New York City will be just the first of many travel missions to New Orleans over the coming months as the city begins to rebuild its tourism industry.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for New York City's travel and tourism industry, and the strike severely affects tourism to the boroughs, to Harlem and to lower Manhattan.

This is priceless as far as its value to New York City.

That all hangs in the balance right now. If it's a one-day strike, we'll bounce back quickly. But if it continues, there will be major financial losses.