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According to a report from UK newspaper the Guardian, more than 2,500 BP staff members, representatives from 160 different companies and volunteers from 200 government, fishing and environmental organizations are currently at work in New Orleans. Yet, there is still much more to be done to clean the oil spill.
Many business leaders and philanthropic-minded individuals should consider heading to New Orleans immediately to assist in disaster relief.
One incentive to join the ranks of corporate and private volunteers in the aftermath of the spill could be the sense of camaraderie the workers experience at the site. One project engineer told the Guardian, "I know it's not something you're supposed to say, but I told [my wife] how much fun I was having."
In addition to the amity at the spill scene, executives and volunteers who find themselves in the Gulf Coast area may also enjoy the nightlife of New Orleans. TripAdvisor.com named the city the best destination in the world for nightlife in 2010.
It's easy to see why travelers love New Orleans. The French Quarter boasts some of the country's richest French architectural history - its elaborate ironwork galleries are a must-see. Plus, it's also home to some top French cuisine. The 24-hour Cafe du Monde is known for its spiced cafe au laits and a little vodoo mysticism. First-timers can get a sprinkle of powdered sugar on them for good luck.
For those who may be working at the oil spill by day, Bourbon Street can be the perfect place to unwind by night. Bourbon Street is famous for its drinking establishments - both for tasty cocktails and piano bar duels.
With meaningful work and sensational sights waiting, contractors, consultants and other workers can check out New Orleans extended-stay options to get the most out of their stays. One option is Marriott ExcuStay Corporate Housing. With multiple locations throughout the city, guests can create the New Orleans experience they want.
The Marriott ExecuStay at 925 Common Street and 837 Gravier Place is just blocks from the famous French Quarter. The Common Street location is perfect for a modest, modern accommodation, while the Gravier Place apartments offer a sense of vintage French decor and luxury - complete with a rooftop pool.
Paula Butler, senior director of public relations for Marriott International, says guests appreciate the location, but what they most love are the suites' full kitchens. She says the free Wi-Fi is also a popular amenity as 95 percent of guests at ExecuStay temporary housing are business travelers. Their average length of stay is 100 days - which means this might be ideal for business executives who will be working on extended projects in light of the oil spill.
Other guests may appreciate the Southern hospitality offered at the Staybridge Suites New Orleans. Darrius Gray, general manager of the Staybridge Suites New Orleans, says the hotel has been a popular spot for guests this year, which he thinks might have been sparked by the New Orleans' Saints presence at the Super Bowl.
He says the oil spill disaster is not having an adverse impact on travel rates. Regardless of the reason for guests' stays, Gray says the 2010 outlook for New Orleans as a travel destination is strong, and his hotel works to make guests feel at home.
The hotel offers studios and one- or two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens. Each guest is also offered amenities that make it easy to get to know your neighbors, including a fitness center, barbecue grills, evening socials and a communal pool. Plus, the hotel's proximity to the French Quarter and other New Orleans hot spots such as Canal Place make it easy to be social without having to wander far from your temporary stay.
According to Gray, about a quarter of guests at the hotel are in town on business while the others are leisure travelers. The average length of stay is around 2 nights, but some executives stay much longer and the hotel is fully prepared to accommodate long-term guests.
In fact, Gray says a film crew has been living at the hotel for the past five months. They've benefitted from its on-site washers and dryers as well as the hotel's business services including internet access, copy machines and printers.
The city of New Orleans is thriving - even in the midst of an ecological accident. Guests can stay for a while to see the city's strength of spirit, and maybe lend a hand while in town. 
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