Not super business for travel agencies

The excitement about the New Orleans Saints’ first appearance in the Super Bowl isn’t translating into increased business for local travel agencies. “The majority of people, when they hear the actual price of what it would cost to go to the Super Bowl, say, ‘No thanks, I’ll stay at home and watch it on TV,’ ” says Melanie Williams with Gulf South Travel. Hotel rooms in Miami cost $399 to $499 during game weekend, and nonrefundable three-night minimum stays are common, she says. Then throw in airfare, entertainment and the $3,000 a Super Bowl ticket on average will cost, and you’re easily talking several thousand dollars. Sarah Picou, an agent with House of Travel, estimates that her agency has sold “two or three” trips to the Super Bowl. Picou says she didn’t have any expectations for Saints Super Bowl business, given the event’s rarity. An alternative travel package that has sprung up is a New Orleans Super Bowl trip. The package includes a hotel stay and dinner in a restaurant, with the opportunity to watch the game on TV in the midst of New Orleans fans, Picou says. —Timothy Boone