The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority kicked off its 4 city sales mission Monday night in the Niagara region, marking the first time they’ve held one in the area. 19 partners and approximately 50 travel agents attended the event at Wayne Gretzky Winery, which included a special welcome from Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.

“Agents are everything for Las Vegas, the travel agents represent more than 60 percent of bookings,” said David Han, Sales and Marketing Director, LVCVA Canada. “Without the travel agents we couldn’t grow or sustain visitation. Not only do agents book Las Vegas, but they are our brand ambassadors.”

“Canada continues to be our #1 market inbound to Las Vegas, more than 1.4 million visited us last year, said Fernando Hurtado, International Market Manager, The Americas, LVCVA. “Air Canada and WestJet make it very easy to get to Vegas with 27 weekly flights from Toronto. With Hamilton just up the road now offering 2 flights weekly and the number of partners we have here tonight, it shows we recognize the importance of this market.”

WestJet’s seasonal service from Hamilton launched last December through March and finished with nearly 85% load factor, something the LVCVA hopes will make it an annual flight. Air Canada and WestJet operate a total of 123 direct flights weekly from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Hamilton, and Calgary with a new Edmonton Air Canada route starting in October.

“It’s absolutely important for us to be here not just working with the airlines but taking a more grassroots approach with the agents. It allows for face time and an opportunity to casually discuss what’s new in Las Vegas.”

LVCVA’s next event is Tuesday in Toronto.