NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Orleans is featured in the first ever national tourism marketing campaign, announced by President Obama today.

The $150 million international advertising blitz features New Orleans and other destinations in the U.S. and is aimed at the international traveler.

The President also authorized a streamlining of the rules for issuing VISAs to foreign travelers with a goal of a 40 percent increase in the number of VISAs granted to international visitors bound for the U.S.