Partners for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority mission included Sphere, Maverick Helicopters, Bliss Wedding Chapel and MGM Resorts, which has just launched all-inclusive bundle for a two-night stay on The Strip.
Fletch Brunelle, vice president of marketing, endorsed the value of the UK market, which benefits from direct routes with Aer Lingus, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. “It’s extremely important for us to support those flights and help the trade get travellers to Las Vegas,” he said.
Brunelle said that while Las Vegas’ convention business was stronger than ever, the leisure side was still a challenge for the destination, both domestically and internationally. “Those that are on the economy side are struggling a bit because of inflation,” he said.
Las Vegas ended last year with overall visitation down about 7.5%. UK arrivals also fell but by a lesser 3%.
To counter that, he said Las Vegas was continuing to push its value message, and for the first time ever, MGM Resorts had announced all-inclusive packages at Excalibur and Luxor.
“It’s not unusual to see food and beverage credits and other types of credits but all-inclusive is not something we have typically have in Las Vegas,” he said. “This is the first all-inclusive event that I have seen, and I have been in the business for quite some time, so it’s going to be interesting to see the uptake on that by consumers.”
MGM Resorts’ All-Inclusive Experience includes a two-night stay at Luxor or Excalibur, based on double occupancy, including all resort fees, from $330. Also, three meals per day, per guest, covering breakfast, lunch at dinner, redeemable at a selection of MGM Resorts across Luxor, Excalibur, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and New York-New York. Plus, two tickets to one MGM Resorts show per day (six options to choose between), two rides on the Big Apple Coaster at New New-New York, and parking for one vehicle. The bundle has no blackout dates to ensure broad accessibility throughout the year.
Brunelle explained that the best value for leisure travellers was outside the conference seasons of February through May, and September through November. “Typically, Las Vegas has been about bringing more value to the leisure traveller in June, July, August, November, December and January,” he said.
Even with the headwinds of the US-Iran war, Brunelle was optimistic that Las Vegas could still benefit from the halo of demand enveloping the Caribbean, Florida, Latin America and Mexico.
“I know people pause bookings when they’re not comfortable to travel, but everyone knows we need to have a good holiday and it is necessary to reset. And Las Vegas is somewhere you can come to relax, reset and enjoy your holiday.”
Las Vegas is also banking on a World Cup boost, given the destination is a short flight away from host cities Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, and well placed for downtime in between matches.
“Las Vegas is a great place to come and watch all sports, whether that’s live or in our sports bars,” Brunelle said.
The city is also well known for its music residencies, with Jennifer Lopez having just completed a run at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace, and Metallica extending its residency at the Sphere from October 2026 into 2027, in response to the high demand.
“The convenience of coming to Vegas to see your favourite act is having so many other things to do, from fine dining and citywide attractions to day trips out to the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon, the list goes on,” he said.
