A new study released by the University of New Orleans today shows New Orleans set a record for visitor spending last year at over six billion dollars.  The number of visitors was over nine million, beaten only by the previous record set back in 2004 at 10.1 million.

In the UNO survey, 73 percent of respondents offered positive feedback and many would recommend others come to New Orleans.

Steven Perry, president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, was thrilled with the numbers.

''We had our largest share of first-time visitors, now the reason that's so important for us, is we've got to build market share over the years with a new generation of traveler,'' said Perry.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the number of visitors grew by a quarter million compared to 2011.

''We've had a banner year and we want to continue to provide good paying jobs.''  Landrieu added   ''We won the 2012 World Tourism Award, recognized by colleagues from around the world as the best of the best."

Local leaders have set a goal of 13 million visitors in one year by 2018.