Page 56 - 366977 LP247663A Travel Matters 76pp A4 (September 2022)

NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS
In conversation with...
FLETCH BRUNELLE
Vice President of Marketing
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD IS BACK
In 2019, Las Vegas welcomed a record 42 million visitors. In 2020, due to Covid, this decreased to
19 million - however in 2021 it recovered to 32 million.
This year is going to be a bumper year for the city due to huge pent up demand from both Domestic and International visitors as well as the vital conference incentive and meetings business.
WHAT IS DRIVING THE RECOVERY IN VISITOR NUMBERS?
Weekend business has recovered really well. We are seeing hotel occupancy rates of 90 to 95% from Friday to Sunday.
There is no doubt that world class events are also driving business.
The NASCAR Race enticed a huge number of fans to travel and see this great spectacle. The UFC Martial Arts event was massive for us and the Country Music Awards generated huge publicity and a worldwide audience for all that Las Vegas has to offer.
The Allegiant Stadium hosted the Music Awards in front of a huge sold out audience and it will also be hosting the NFL Games as well as music and other events.
It’s a fantastic addition to our portfolio of world class venues alongside the T Mobile Arena, allowing Las Vegas to host the best of the best. Watch out for the new Madison Square Garden Sphere Theatre currently under construction alongside the Palazzo Hotel.
We also hosted all the razzmatazz and media frenzy of the 2022 NFL player draft and will soon be hosting the Super Bowl itself!
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE FORMULA 1 NEWS
We were absolutely delighted to announce that in November 2023
all the glamour and excitement of Formula 1 will roll into Las Vegas for a race and entertainment experience that will need to be seen to
be believed.
Cutting right through the neon heart of the city - the night race will be
on a 3.8 mile track with the cars reaching over 200mph past world famous landmarks, hotels
and casinos.
The level of enquiries and interest we have received since the announcement has been incredible. This is a great opportunity for our trade partners to promote and sell to clients. Take a look at www.f1Lasvegasgrandprix.com to sign up for news and updates on this extravaganza.
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE CURRENT DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT CAPACITY LEVELS?
In June 2022 Harry Reid Airport had its busiest ever month with a 22.9% increase over June 2021. Domestic capacity has fully recovered and we are seeing airlines adding additional frequencies and new routes to keep up with the demand as well as new carriers such as Breeze. European carriers have also returned and the direct British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights from London are heavily booked.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE TRAVEL TRADE?
Vegas is very much back in business - bigger and better than ever and is delighted to welcome back clients, old and new, for the stay of a lifetime!
56 SEPTEMBER 2022