Las Vegas set record tourism levels in 2012, with 39.7 million people visiting the Sin City last year -- about half-a-million more visitors than the record high set in 2007, with 39.2 million visitors. This record visitation generated more than $40 million for the local economy, according to a press release.
About three in 10 of the visitors were from Southern California, according to statistics released by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The statistics, released on Friday, indicate continued recovery for Las Vegas tourism.
"The record visitation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our resort partners and every employee who works in the industry," Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the LVCVA, said in a press release. "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. With more than $2 billion of reinvestment in the destination, Las Vegas is well positioned for continued growth in 2013 and on the threshold of hosting more than 40 million visitors."
This is good news for southern Nevada, which faced a tough hit from the economic downturn, according to Las Vegas NV Blog, but for visitors, the statistics are not as positive. Room rates are up -- a $3 increase to $108 in 2012, according to the press release. Despite the increase, the average is $24 a night below the 2007 peak, Las Vegas NV blog reported.
For drivers, the roads were more crowded than last year -- last year's daily vehicle count at the California-Nevada state line -- 42,143 - was up 2,335 from five years ago.
Despite the positive impact on the city's economy, Las Vegas tourists are still being careful with their discretionary dollars, according to Las Vegas NV Blog. The blog reported that last year's gaming revenue for Clark County, including the city of Las Vegas and the unincorporated area that includes the strip, was nearly $9.4 billion. Although that figure is up two percent from 2011, it's nearly $1.5 billion, or 8.5 percent below 2007's record high.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
