Las Vegas Holidays Defy the Downturn

Viva Las Vegas! That’s certainly what tourism bosses are saying at the moment, after figures have shown that the US casino and entertainment capital is recovering fast from the global economic downturn.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority revealed that there has been 19 months of consecutive growth in visitor numbers to Sin City, and predictions are now that around 39 million people will have booked cheap holidays in Las Vegas by the end of the year. This would be only the second time in the history of the city that this many tourists have come to sample its many delights and to witness the bright lights.

There has also been 19 months in a row when the average daily hotel room rates have increased, in response to popular demand. During this time the average occupancy rate of Las Vegas hotels has risen by more than 4 per cent to 85.2 per cent – over 20 percentile points greater than the national average for the rest of the USA.

The tourism association’s chairman, Tom Collins, stressed that the figures – showing more than a year-and-a-half of constant growth – were proof that the recovery in the local holidays industry was undeniably under way, adding: “We expect the growth we have seen to continue in 2012”.

It is beyond doubt that Las Vegas holidays have much to offer the thrill-seeker. Once you set foot on the famous Strip, with its seeming miles of glitzy hotels, casino resorts, concert halls, clubs, bars and cabarets, you know you are going to be in for one hell of a ride.

There are many operators offering cheap flights to Las Vegas from the UK, including reputable carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines.