LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas has been down on its luck. But, the city is seeing some small signs of life. More tourists are coming to Las Vegas for their favorite things at the destination known for its excess.
As the recession ravaged Las Vegas, the economy suffered. As the gaming industry lowered room rates to lure customers, however, coming to Las Vegas became more affordable. "There is no better value in Las Vegas now than there's ever been, whether (you're) a leisure traveler or a business traveler," said Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Vice President of Public Affairs Vince Alberta. "There is some evidence that there is stabilization in the market. I don't think we can say there is a full recovery underway."
Alberta is betting on a comeback for our gambling town. April saw nearly 3.2 million visitors. That is up almost a percentage point from last year. Convention attendance rose nearly three percent. Regardless, Alberta says more work needs to be done. "The large trade shows, I think, are demonstrating some strength, some resiliency. We still need to work on the small corporate meetings. They are not showing those signs yet," he said.
Alberta says another sign of hope is that average daily room rates are up three percent from a year ago. "(It's) supply and demand. As more people come, sometimes those room rates do increase," he said.
The LVCVA says more visitors are now saving their money, but a lot of tourists say their spending levels haven't changed. "It hasn't affected me that way at all," said visitor Les Fouks. "I don't think so, (my spending is) about the same," added tourist Beth Layman.
The LVCVA predicts 2010 visitation will increase three percent over last year. But, the agency warns a recovery will take time.
