Las Vegas is a city that is synonymous with entertainment, gambling, and a good time. However, the city’s reliance on tourism is often overlooked. In fact, Las Vegas is one of the most tourist-dependent cities in the world.
The Importance of Tourism to Las Vegas
Tourism is the lifeblood of Las Vegas. The city’s economy is heavily dependent on the revenue generated by tourists. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), in 2019, Las Vegas welcomed over 42 million visitors who spent approximately $35 billion.
This revenue goes directly into supporting various industries such as hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and entertainment venues. It also helps to create employment opportunities for locals.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Las Vegas Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, and Las Vegas has not been immune to this impact. In March 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all non-essential businesses to close down temporarily in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As a result of this order and subsequent travel restrictions implemented by various countries around the world, tourism in Las Vegas came to a virtual standstill. Many hotels and casinos were forced to shut down temporarily or permanently due to financial difficulties.
According to the LVCVA’s latest report for February 2021, visitor volume was down 53% compared to February 2020. Hotel occupancy was at just 39%, compared with 90% in February 2020. These figures highlight how much Las Vegas relies on tourism and how devastating the pandemic has been for its economy.
What Is Being Done To Revive Tourism In Las Vegas?
To revive tourism in Las Vegas and bring back visitors safely during the pandemic, various initiatives have been put in place by both government agencies and private businesses. One such initiative is the “Vegas Smart” campaign, which encourages visitors and locals to follow health and safety guidelines.
Additionally, the LVCVA has launched a marketing campaign called “Vegas You” to promote the city as a safe and exciting destination for travelers. The city has also been investing in new attractions such as the recently opened Circa Resort & Casino and the upcoming Resorts World Las Vegas.
The Future of Las Vegas Tourism
While Las Vegas may have taken a severe hit due to the pandemic, there is optimism for its future. In fact, some analysts predict that tourism in Las Vegas could return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
Moreover, Las Vegas is a resilient city that has bounced back from crises before. For instance, after the 2008 recession, it took just four years for tourism numbers to bounce back to pre-recession levels.
Conclusion
Las Vegas’ reliance on tourism cannot be overstated. The city’s economy depends on it, and efforts are being made to revive it after the pandemic. While there may be uncertainty around when tourism will fully recover in Las Vegas, it’s clear that the city will continue to evolve and adapt to ensure that visitors can enjoy all that it has to offer safely.