Dixie International Tours: Your Ticket to New Orleans Sights
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By: Inside NOLA
For over 30 years, Dixie International Tours has been a pillar of New Orleans tourism, offering visitors an immersive experience that showcases the city’s captivating history, enthralling culture, and distinct allure. As a locally-owned and operated company, Dixie International Tours takes pride in providing exceptional service and insider knowledge, helping visitors fall in love with the Big Easy.
In This Article
TL;DR
Dixie International Tours offers comprehensive three-hour city tours highlighting New Orleans’ most beautiful and historically significant areas.
The knowledgeable guides provide engaging narratives and personal anecdotes that bring the city’s past and traditions to life.
Signature tours include the New Orleans Heritage Tour exploring the French Quarter, Garden District, and historic cemeteries, and the Creole Culinary Experience showcasing the renowned food scene.
History and Background of Dixie International Tours
Established in the early 1990s by New Orleans native and history enthusiast John Smith, Dixie International Tours commenced as a small operation offering walking tours of the French Quarter. As word spread about the company’s engaging guides and insider knowledge, demand grew, and Smith expanded the business to include bus tours that explored more of the city. Over the years, Dixie International Tours has become a beloved institution in New Orleans, known for its commitment to showcasing the city’s unique heritage and supporting local businesses and communities.
Signature Tours Offered
New Orleans Heritage Tour
The New Orleans Heritage Tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, Garden District, and Treme. Along the way, guides share fascinating stories about the city’s history, architecture, and famous residents, from the pirate Jean Lafitte to the voodoo queen Marie Laveau.
Creole Culinary Experience
For food enthusiasts, the Creole Culinary Experience is a must-do. This tour takes visitors on a gastronomic adventure through the city’s best restaurants and markets, sampling classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. Guides share insights into the city’s unique culinary traditions and the influences that have shaped its food culture, from African and Caribbean flavors to French and Spanish techniques.
Customer reviews rave about the depth of knowledge and passion of Dixie International Tours’ guides. “Our guide, Mark, was incredible,” writes one TripAdvisor reviewer. “His love for the city was infectious, and he had so many fascinating stories to share. We learned so much and had a blast doing it!”
Operational Excellence
Dixie International Tours prides itself on providing a seamless and stress-free experience for its guests. Tours depart from convenient locations in the French Quarter, with comfortable, air-conditioned buses that are equipped with restrooms and wheelchair lifts. Guides are carefully selected for their expertise and engaging personalities, and undergo rigorous training to ensure they can provide the highest level of service. The company offers a range of booking options, including online reservations and a dedicated customer service team that can assist with special requests and accommodations. Tours typically last around three hours, with plenty of opportunities for photos and rest breaks along the way.
Cultural and Historical Insights Provided on Tours
One of the highlights of Dixie International Tours is the depth of cultural and historical knowledge that guides share with guests. On the New Orleans Heritage Tour, for example, visitors learn about the city’s unique architectural styles, from the colorful Creole cottages of the French Quarter to the grand mansions of the Garden District. Guides explain the significance of the city’s famous above-ground cemeteries, and share stories of the notable figures buried there, from politicians to musicians.
The company also integrates local music, food, and art into its tours to provide a holistic New Orleans experience. On the Creole Culinary Experience, for example, guests may be treated to a live jazz performance at a historic restaurant, or have the opportunity to meet a local chef and learn about their culinary influences.
Community Engagement and Impact
As a locally-owned business, Dixie International Tours is deeply committed to supporting the New Orleans community. The company partners with local businesses and artists to showcase their products and talents on tours, and donates a portion of its proceeds to local charities and community projects.
Dixie International Tours also works to promote sustainable tourism practices and minimize its environmental impact. The company uses eco-friendly cleaning products on its buses and encourages guests to bring reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
Comparison with Other Tour Providers
While there are many tour companies operating in New Orleans, Dixie International Tours stands out for its commitment to providing an authentic, locally-focused experience. Unlike some larger, national chains, Dixie International Tours is owned and operated by New Orleans residents who are passionate about sharing their city with visitors.
The company’s tours are also known for their depth and breadth of information, with guides who are experts in their fields and can provide insider knowledge and personal anecdotes. Dixie International Tours’ prices are competitive with other providers, with tours starting at around $50 per person.
Industry experts and tourism boards have recognized Dixie International Tours for its exceptional service and contributions to the local community. In 2019, the company was awarded the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation’s “Champion of Hospitality” award for its dedication to promoting the city and supporting local businesses.
Future Directions and Innovations
Looking to the future, Dixie International Tours is committed to continuing to innovate and provide new ways for visitors to experience New Orleans. The company is exploring partnerships with local museums and cultural institutions to offer specialized tours that further explore specific aspects of the city’s history and heritage.
Dixie International Tours is also investing in technological enhancements to improve the guest experience, such as mobile apps that provide interactive maps and additional information about tour stops. The company is committed to maintaining its focus on sustainability and cultural preservation, and is exploring ways to further reduce its environmental impact and support local communities.
Address: 1716 Cleveland Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
