PHOTO: The Linq in Las Vegas (Photo by Ryan Rudnansky)
Apparently, welcoming more than 39 million visitors wasn't enough for Las Vegas.
After setting its tourism record of 39,727,000 visitors in 2012 and once again flirting with 40 million visitors in 2013, Las Vegas exceeded 40 million visitors for the first time in 2014, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
"Las Vegas couldn't have reached this milestone without the continued investments of our resort partners, and the more than 40 million people who came to experience all the destination has to offer," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), via a press release. "Ongoing developments in the destination, including new, renovated and rebranded resort properties, exciting new attractions, world-class entertainment, incredible culinary offerings and more are what keep first-time visitors and loyalists returning to Las Vegas time and time again."
What's more, Las Vegas can still add to its record total. The destination has exceeded 40 million visitors with two weeks to spare in the calendar year. LVCVA forecasts suggest Vegas could welcome nearly 41 million visitors by the end of 2014. Vegas has experienced visitor volume increases each month for the past 10 months, with many of those months setting all-time records for the entertainment hotspot.
The LVCVA noted that an increase in international air service in 2014, particularly concerning Canada and Mexico, contributed significantly to the visitation growth.
Several major hotels opened in 2014, as well, including the Cromwell (the first standalone boutique on the Strip), Delano Las Vegas and SLS Las Vegas. The Strip was also transformed, courtesy of such projects as the $550 million open-air district the Linq and a re-imagination of the area surrounding New York-New York and Monte Carlo. The recent legalization of gay marriage in Nevada should also boost Las Vegas' tourism numbers moving forward, given its reputation as a top wedding destination.
Vegas currently boasts more than 150,000 hotel rooms and nearly 11 million square feet of meeting and event space. It generates more than $45 billion annually to the local economy of Southern Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley, supporting 376,000 jobs.
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