5. What does the plantation tour industry in the New Orleans area look like? Who are the major players and what are their relative strengths? The plantation tour industry in Southern Louisiana takes advantage of the proximity of both New Orleans, a major international tourist destination, and Baton Rouge, a medium sized state Capitol and college city, to draw visitors interested in experiencing antebellum plantation life on the Mississippi River. Plantation tours represent a side activity for tourists visiting the area, particularly for those who have spent a few days in New Orleans and are seeking an alternate, lower-key attraction. Visitors to the area might contact a travel agent about such tours prior to visiting the area, or from a hotel concierge, or from a brochure provided by a local limousine or bus tour company to promote day-long or half-day tours. Eleven plantation homes located anywhere from 20 to 110 miles away from New Orleans are discussed in the case. The following table presents some of the relative strengths and weaknesses of these establishments, relative to the Nottoway Plantation:
Destination 1. Destrehan Plantation Relative Strengths: Oldest, low admission, close to New Orleans (22 miles) Greek Revival style with spiral staircase. Lower admission fee than Nottoway. Hosts special events. Slightly closer to New Orleans. Attractive Federal woodwork. Rare plantation dependency. Slave quarters included in tour. Lower admission fee than Nottoway. Greek Revival style, 8-acre garden. Lower admission fee than Nottoway. Closest to New Orleans (20 miles). Greek Revival style. Original furnishings. Catering and formal dining available; hosts special events. Overnight accommodations. Lower admission fee than Nottoway. Open most holidays. Famous for alley of live oaks. Overnight accommodations. Lower admission fee than Nottoway. Slightly closer to New Orleans (60 miles) Lower