Jay Cicero, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and Executive Director of the 2013 Super Bowl Host Committee which oversaw the effort to manage Super Bowl XLVII, remarked that "As entertaining and exciting as these big name events may be, their continued confidence in New Orleans as a host city is a true testament to our experience, service and first-rate execution as well as the proximity of our hotels, facilities and the French Quarter. There's something very special about New Orleans. Our passion for sporting events is ingrained into the city's one of a kind culture, history, and ambiance, and only trumped by the professionalism of our tourism and hospitality industry. It is an honor that New Orleans receives the award as North America's Leading Sports Tourism Destination."