Las Vegas is seeing an expansion in events, including hosting its first Super Bowl and Formula One Grand Prix last year. CEO Steve Hill discussed the growing trend of immersive experiences at The Sphere in Las Vegas, which will now host its first sporting event, the NHL Draft. The Sphere has been used for conferences, concerts, and movies, with opportunities to collaborate on various events. The city has sponsored around 60 events in 2023 alone, showcasing the diverse uses of The Sphere.
The city’s transformation into a sports hub has been marked by the success of hosting Formula One, the Super Bowl, and now the NHL Draft. Economic impacts from these events exceeded expectations, with the Super Bowl bringing in over a billion dollars in incremental economic impact. The development of Allegiant Stadium for the Raiders has allowed for the hosting of major sports events, attracting national attention. Las Vegas has grown to support professional franchises, with the city becoming a more attractive destination for sports events.
A change in the demographic of Las Vegas visitors is being seen, with younger travelers increasingly heading to the city. This shift is attributed to the appeal of the city’s residences, music scene, and nightlife offerings to a younger audience. The younger crowd is drawn to the day clubs and nightclubs, while the entertainment mix in Las Vegas continues to evolve. This change in visitor demographics reflects the city’s efforts to attract a broader range of tourists.
Norse Atlantic Airways is adding a new route connecting London and Las Vegas, which is expected to significantly impact tourism in the city. The UK market is a significant source of international visitors for Las Vegas, and the new route will bring in around a thousand people weekly. Las Vegas aims to focus on international growth, with direct flight routes playing a crucial role in attracting tourists from overseas. The ease of access to Las Vegas is highlighted as a key factor in increasing demand for travel to the city.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority recently acquired a monorail, which had been shut down due to the pandemic. The monorail runs along the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard and is a vital part of the city’s transportation system. The Authority saw the importance of preserving the monorail as a transport option in the resort corridor. Marketing opportunities for the monorail include collaborations with shows, advertising on the trains, and station branding. The acquisition of the monorail has transformed it into a profitable transportation system, with increasing ridership and revenue from advertising.
