Las Vegas welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors last year, smashing the previous high of 39.2 million in 2007. (Featured image by thinboyfatter)
2012 saw a record 39.7 million tourists pay a visit to the hedonistic Nevada city, generating more than $40 million for the local economy.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) have welcomed the positive figures, which follow a boost in investment in the city.
“The record visitation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our resort partners and every employee who works in the industry,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the LVCVA.
“Tourism is the economic leader for Southern Nevada and the entire state, so we are encouraged to see positive signs of continued growth for the industry.”
Visitor numbers in 2012 increased by 2.1 per cent from 2011, with around 800,000 more guests turning up last year than in the year before.
The boost has been partly driven by meetings and conventions taking place in the city. Las Vegas held 21,615 meetings, trade shows or conventions last year – 13.6 per cent more than 2011’s total of 19,029.
The boost to visitor numbers has been put down in part to large-scale reinvestment in the city, the effects of which are expected to be felt throughout this year.
“With more than $2 billion of reinvestment in the destination, Las Vegas is well positioned for continued growth in 2013 and is on the threshold of hosting more than 40 million visitors,” added Ralenkotter.
Las Vegas may have more than reinvestment to thank for its record-breaking tourist figures as our very own Prince Harry also played his part.
Following the prince-turned-soldier’s Vegas antics last year (you know the ones we mean), some tour operators reports a surge in interest in the city.
Virgin Holidays said it saw a 30 per cent increase in enquiries about package holidays to the city, which it attributed to the “Prince Harry effect“.
