Push for foreign Las Vegas visitation pays dividends

Las Vegas visitors from South Korea and China increased by 60 and 38 percent last year, respectively, while visitors from Canada, Australia, Germany and France increased by more than 20 percent for each country, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said Friday.
Last year’s 6.7 million foreign visitors spent $6.6 billion in Southern Nevada, accounting for 27 percent of tourism revenue. That figure is growing as local officials step up efforts to attract foreign tourists who tend to stay longer and spend more money than their domestic counterparts — a trend that’s helping recession-battered Las Vegas.
The average international visitor spent $1,011 on nongambling activities compared with $627 spent by the average domestic visitor, according to the authority’s annual visitor profile.
Within 10 years, the authority hopes to increase to 30 percent the percentage of visitors from other countries, which rose to 18 percent last year from 14 percent in 2009.
The authority attributes the increase to more aggressive marketing efforts, favorable exchange rates, improvements in foreign economies and an overall increase in foreign tourism in the United States.
“When the U.S. gains in international travel, Las Vegas typically mirrors, if not exceeds that increase,” said Kevin Bagger, the authority’s senior director of marketing.
The authority and McCarran International Airport officials are working to secure more international nonstop flights to Las Vegas.
Since April, Las Vegas has hosted new nonstop flights from Guadalajara, Mexico and Manchester, England. British Airways has expanded capacity on its nonstop flights from London by 18 percent, and France’s XL Airways reinstituted a seasonal nonstop flight from Paris.
Tourism officials are pressing the federal government to ease visa restrictions in China, a booming economy where visitors to the U.S. are expected to increase 219 percent by 2015, according to federal estimates. South Koreans have flocked to Las Vegas and other U.S. tourism destinations after visa requirements were lifted by the United States in 2008.
The authority has contracts with 15 marketing offices used to promote Las Vegas in more than 70 countries, including growth areas such as South Korea, China and India. Up to 80 percent of Las Vegas’ foreign visitors come from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

NASCAR-style race car Las Vegas

Join Richard Petty Driving Experience and feel the pure, unadulterated adrenaline rush in a 600-horsepower, NASCAR-style race car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Guests are responsible for driving themselves to the race track.  get ready to put your seatbelt on and experience real-life racing thrills in a two-seat NASCAR-style race car. photo packages will be available of your unique electrifying experience.

Bellagio Description

The epitome of quality, romance and elegance on the Las Vegas Strip, The Bellagio offers luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants and upscale shopping along with a healthy dose of cultural enlightenment.

From the moment one passes the tree-lined pathway and eight-acre lake in front of the hotel, it's clear that Bellagio pays impeccable attention to detail. The Fountains at Bellagio are world famous, amazing onlookers as they soar into the sky. A vibrant flower petal chandelier by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, called Fiori di Como, hangs above the lobby like a garden growing from the 18-foot ceiling. The front desk is bordered by a thriving display of foliage, which often coincides with the seasonal display of fresh flowers and trees at the glass-topped Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Decorated with custom-draped canopies and coffered ceilings, the casino offers table games, video poker, slots and a race and sports book as well as a high-limit lounge and an exclusive Baccarat room for VIP guests. The 40-table poker room features "The Game," a commissioned painting by artist LeRoy Neiman, portraying preeminent poker players engaged in a high stakes game.

Art is a common theme at the Bellagio with museum-caliber exhibitions chosen from prestigious collections captivating patrons at The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The lobby for Cirque du Soleil's water-acrobatics masterpiece "O" showcases bronze sculptures of dancers and acrobats by master sculptor Richard MacDonald, ushering guests into the world of grace and motion before they even enter the theater.

Accommodations combine contemporary-style furnishings, fine art, modern amenities and bathrooms with Italian marble floors and surfaces. Guests will find ultimate relaxation at the Zen-inspired, two-story Spa Bellagio and can also take fitness classes in The Bamboo Studio exercise room. A quiet hallway overlooking the villa-style pool area marks the perfect spot to enjoy a cold treat from Café Gelato, read a newspaper or sip coffee. The shops at Via Bellagio are high-end and exclusive, while nightlife turns classy at The Bank.

For a first rate dining experience, treat yourself to the succulent French fare of Le Cirque, a three-time winner of the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award or take in the natural beauty of Sensi, where waterfalls and carved stone walls complement distinctive Asian and Italian delicacies. Enjoy a view of the fountains at Todd English's Olives or pick up a sweet treat at the tempting Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie, home to the world's tallest and largest chocolate fountain.

Couples wishing to marry will find an ambience of beauty and romance at the Bellagio's wedding chapel and can even tie the knot upon the Terrazza di Sogno (Terrace of Dreams), an Italian balcony overlooking the fountains.

Bellagio caters to guests from around the world while balancing an elegant and contemporary atmosphere. A feast for the eyes, soul and stomach, the property offers its guests a taste of all the finer things in life.

The Sexy Side of Vegas Shows

If you've never been to Vegas or experienced one of the many Vegas shows that are available to behold, let me be the first to tell you: they are not created equal. People will choose to see shows for many different reasons and there is no right or wrong reason to see any Vegas show unless you are simply determined to hate it from the beginning. Even then you might find yourself to be either mildly or wildly surprised.

I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to mention some of the wonderfully sexy shows that are prominent in Vegas at the moment. There are quite a few and will appeal to audiences on different levels and for different reasons, well some of them will at any rate while most of them offer universal appeal to certain members of the audience it is important to remember the statement I made earlier, not all shows are created equally and it doesn't really matter how beautifully endowed the members of the cast are if the show has no wit, humor, drama, or interesting points about it.

Les Foiles Bergere is one of the best examples of a classic Vegas style show or at least my interpretation of what a Vegas style show should be.

This show literally sizzles with its sex appeal and is a great show to kick off your stay in Vegas. You'll be ready to roll the dice after seeing this show for sure. There are generally two shows offered. The 7:30 show is covered so that all ages can enjoy the show all others feature topless numbers and request that audience members be 16 and over. The show can be seen at 7:30 and 10:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Tuesday and Friday offer one show only at 8:30 and Sundays are dark. This is a can't miss show and a real hit for the Tropicana Las Vegas.

If you want to go even more darkly erotic, John Stagliano's Fashionistas is definitely the route you should take. This is a very erotic experience everything about this show simply sizzles. Not only is the choreography and costume design stellar, this show has some of the best music to be found in Vegas with songs by Evanescence, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Lords of Acid, and Crystal Method.

La Femme, playing at the MGM Grand is a rather unique show, even for Vegas, in that it literally celebrates that artistry of the nude. The overall affect is a stunning visual display of light, color, sound, flesh, and dance. You must be 18 or older to attend this particular show and there is a dress code for the performances, which is business casual so come dressed appropriately. Shows are Wednesday through Monday at 8:00 and 10:30 pm. If you want to see the ultimate water cooler show, this one is definitely the show to see.

There are so many shows in Vegas that it would be virtually impossible to mention each and every one. These are each excellent examples of the sexiest shows that Vegas has to offer. Only you can decide what you are comfortable seeing and if you're curious try one of the shows that offers an optional covered showing rather than making yourself uncomfortable or putting yourself in the position to be uncomfortable. The main purpose of going to Vegas is to enjoy yourself. Do what makes you happy.

Las Vegas shows are a big part of the excitement of this city that never sleeps

Las Vegas is a land of shows. Each Las Vegas Strip casino has at least one show for tourists (and locals!) to watch, and most have more. Las Vegas shows are as various as they are fantastic, from comedy shows, to magic, to showgirl shows. The variety is almost endless


One of the most famous families of shows on the Las Vegas Strip is the Cirque du Soleil productions. Cirque du Soleil is a French circus concept that has been entertaining viewers for many years now. Some Vegas shows, such as the Blue Man Group, defy categorization. This production show mixes choreography with a concert. Certainly, it is worth a look.

Classic shows like Jubilee helped create the Las Vegas image; showgirls and dancers covered in rhinestones. These may be the most quintessential of traditional Las Vegas shows, and they show no signs of fading. The Chippendales Show is for women what showgirls shows are for men. Needless to say, adult shows are a favorite for Vegas tourists.

For the more family focused visitors to Las Vegas, magic shows are an option to explore. Everyone loves be dazzled; and disappearing acts, magic with white tigers, and sharp humor mix together to create an experience that is sure to please.
Musicals also play a large role in the Las Vegas entertainment scene. Mamma Mia!, Menopause; The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, and others show almost every night. These shows offer visitors to sit back after a day on the Strip, relax, and laugh, cry, or hum along with their favorite show characters.
With variety like this, everyone from bachelors and bachelorettes living it up to families with young children will find some show to fit their needs. Las Vegas shows are the backbone of the Las Vegas Strip. They don’t disappoint.

Las Vegas – New Year 2011

Las Vegas is one of the biggest party cities in the world, and a perfect destination for a really exciting and special New Years Eve. You will never be bored as there are plenty of things to do, from visiting the casinos and dining out, to going to see one of the big Christmas shows, and there are also lots of special New Years Eve parties including the famous street party which takes place on the main strip, which is closed to traffic for the night. The firework extravaganza that takes place at midnight at New Year is typically over the top and mind blowing, and you can see it from almost anywhere in the city, but whilst you are out and about having fun remember to keep things in line as the Las Vega city police maintain a large visible presence on New Years Eve, and are not known for their sense of humour!

Some of the main places to be this year include:
* Lax Nightclub’s New Year’s Eve Bash at the Luxor Hotel and Casino – Lax nightclubs are famous for their extravagant parties and New Years Eve is no exception. This year tickets at the Luxor event are starting at $150 just to get in the door, with tables plus service going as high as $5,000 for the VIP treatment. You can be guaranteed a wild night out though with celebrity host Kim Kardashian helping you to ring in the New Year.

* TAO with Carmen Electra at the Venetian Hotel Las Vegas – this years TAO New years party is hosted by Carmen Electra, and prices start at $150 on the door. For the full VIP package you can get table service, cocktails and champagne, Sushi and hors d’oeuvres and also entrance to LAVO, the famous nightclub at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino after midnight

* New Years 2011 Party at the Mirage Hotel Las Vegas – this James Bond themed party at the Mirage’s own nightclub Jet is one of the parties of the year and prices start at $200 for entry, and $2500 for a full table service package. Jet can get very busy on New Years Eve, so booking a table can be the only way to hang on to a bit of space, and service means you don’t have to queue for hours at the bar waiting for a drink.

Las Vegas gets incredibly busy around Christmas and New Year, so make sure you book all your flights, hotels and party plans well in advance. There are also some great deals on throughout the winter period, so make sure you check out all the hotel websites to find out all the great savings on accommodation and entertainment. For example The Mandalay Bay Hotel has some special mid winter rates from just $70 for a standard room, and you can also get a special ‘Exotic Escape Offer’, which provides you with an upgrade to a luxury suite and also a two for one deal on tickets to their top show ‘Mamma Mia’.