The Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority (LVCVA) is visiting Canada this week, with its Eastern Canada mission concluding in Winnipeg Thursday, following gala events in Montreal and Toronto earlier in the week,
Acknowledging that it’s an “iffy time” for US travel, LVCVA international market executive Brea Williams stated that Canada is the Nevada city’s No. 1 international market – and within that, Toronto in particular – and told the capacity crowd of about 75 in Toronto, “You have to know how important you are to us!”
Moreover, she noted that “you have played a big part in our recovery” to 96% of pre-COVID arrivals numbers.
Emceed (and entertained) by a magician with a not-coincidental Las Vegas flair, attendees at the Toronto event heard from nine Vegas partners – plus Air Canada, WestJet and TravelBrands – who shared product updates and selling tips during panel discussions on their hotels and attractions.
Key themes focussed on constant renovations and property upgrades; new dining opportunities; and endless, often star-studded, entertainment options.
Among the notables:
• Renovations to the MGM Grand – the largest hotel in the world – will be complete by the end of the year, including a new day club to open in May and ensuring the property “ain’t your mama’s MGM Grand”
• A renovated New York, New York, includes a new Cirque de Soleil show
• Cirque similarly refreshes shows (notable for return guests) and offers VIP
experiences for guests that can include meeting performers
• The JW Marriott Las Vegas, notably located about 15 minutes off the strip for a quieter Vegas experience, has been renovated in a Mediterranean style to the tune $75 million
• Caesar Entertainment’s The Cromwell is being converted into an ultra high-end Vanderpump Hotel, but will stay open during the remake; the Vanderpump will debut in 2026
• Caesar’s Palace has a new “airy” lobby
• The Waldorf Astoria has a new Tea Lounge and 23rd-floor bar with great city views
• The Sphere will see the return of Dead and Company (legacy version of The Grateful Dead) for another residency and will welcome Kenny Chesney (first country act) and Backstreet Boys for upcoming shows
• The Wynn is set to introduce a new seafood restaurant (Pisces) and members social club, along with a newly opened bar
• Janet Jackson returns to perform to Resorts World International in May
• Bally’s Las Vegas is transforming into the Horseshoe Las Vegas, included a new, renovated Versailles Tower
The LVCVA’s Vegas Rewards Program offers points to travel advisors for each confirmed and reported booking. Points can be redeemed hotel accommodations, tours, attractions, entertainment, and more. Go to https://www.taconnect.net/rewards/lvcva.
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