Article: New Orleans trips down despite Mardi Gras.

Byline: Dan Kelly

Jan. 27--New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin may be declaring the Crescent City open for business, but local travel agents are advising against trips to the Big Easy for the time being.

The city's tourist industry is going ahead with Mardi Gras on Feb. 28 despite the lingering ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

But for local travel experts, New Orleans isn't even on the radar this year.

"Normally in February people are looking for something in the Caribbean, especially if it has been cold," said Donna J. O'Brien, travel services manager for AAA Travel in Wyomissing. "New Orleans has really been just a blip in our business."

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