Las Vegas UK visitor numbers soar
UK visitor numbers to Las Vegas have rocketed by 20% over a 12-month period following an increase in direct flights.
British Airways launched a new daily non-stop service from London Heathrow to Vegas in October 2009.
Air access has further increased this year with the addition in May of Virgin Atlantic's new twice-weekly service from Manchester, which complements the carrier's daily service from Gatwick.
UK visitor numbers rose 20.1% from June 2010 to May 2011.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) said international markets now account for 18% of its total market, with numbers up by 17.8% over the previous year, but it is aiming to grow this to 30% over the next 10 years.
Visitor numbers from Canada, Australia, Germany, France, China and South Korea were also up by more than 20% in 2010 with the largest increase, of almost two thirds (60 per cent), coming from South Korea following the extension of the visa waiver scheme.
“The international demand for Las Vegas demonstrates the global reach of our brand,” said LVCVA) CEO Rossi Ralenkotter. “Additionally, working with McCarran International Airport, we continue to create more accessibility for the international traveller by securing more non-stop flights from key countries.”
The airport, which already handles 144 flights a week, will further expand in 2012 with the addition of a third terminal.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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