As travel continues to rebound, “bucket list” destinations such as Las Vegas, are seeing a stronger comeback among travellers.

Total overall visitor volume in May 2022 was just under 3.5 million, an increase of nearly 20% over last year and down only 6.6% versus May 2019. Overall hotel occupancy reached 82.6%, up nearly 12% from May 2021 and short only 8% since May 2019. Midweek occupancy exceeded 78%, up 16% since 2021 and down only 9% since 2019.

These are strong numbers in destination that Fernando Hurtado, Senior Director of Global Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority says can be attributed to the city being a cultural icon.

“Las Vegas has always been a place where people could escape their everyday lives and enjoy adult freedom, and I think everyone is ready to do that after the past couple of years,” explains Hurtado.

“Beyond being a classic “bucket list” destination, since late 2020 Las Vegas has welcomed three new resorts and a variety of spectacular entertainment, dining, attractions and more.”

Those three new hotels are Circa Las Vegas, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curios Collection and Resorts World Las Vegas.

Located on Fremont Street in old downtown Las Vegas, Circa Resort & Casino opened in October 2020 and is home to the world’s largest sportsbook. Resorts World Las Vegas opened in June 2021 and is first new resort to be completed on the strip since The Cosmopolitan and is the most expensive property ever developed in Las Vegas. Virgin Hotel Las Vegas opened in March 2021 on the east end of the Las Vegas Strip. It previously operated as the Hard Rock Hotel from 1995 to 2020, before closing for renovations to be rebranded as Virgin Hotels.

The addition of those hotels is likely playing a bit part in contributing to May’s record-breaking ADR (Average Daily Rate) of $176, just under 40% ahead of last May.

Still, there’s lots of work to be done to connect with agents across the country and educate them on the new options for clients; something that Hurtado says LCVCA is committed to.

“We’re hearing from several agencies that Las Vegas has remained a very popular destination for Canadians. To that end, we have continued to ramp up destination trainings, we’re planning a Western Canada sales mission in September and Eastern Canada in October.

The LVCVA’s Learn and Earn program is a great tool for travel professionals to find additional training, marketing materials, sales tracking to qualify for FAMs and access to special offers and promotions.”

New experiences this year include Flyover Las Vegas, an immersive ride which suspends riders in front of a 52 foot surround screen, designed to give you the feeling you’re in an helicopter, flying over the Las Vegas landscape. The ride also infuses mist, wind and scents, depending on where you’re “flying”.

New Cirque du Soleil show "Mad Apple" is a must-see if for no other reason than it's a most untraditional Cirque Show. It somehow manages to be styled more of a variety show, with a host, comedy performances, dance numbers and the death-defying acts the show's known for. Currently at New York-New York.

Of course, there’s the new Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a state of the art building, something sports fans would definitely want to check out. Tickets are sold out, though available via Verified Ticket Resale- a function of Ticketmaster where people can sell their tickets to others through Ticketmaster direct. It’s a safe option to purchase legitimate tickets.

“Between general pent-up demand for travel and desire for new experiences, we’re hearing Canadians can’t wait to visit Las Vegas, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back.”