Las Vegas rebranding away from ‘Sin City’ | BBC News

Summary

Las Vegas, long known for gambling and nightlife, is rebranding as a hub for sports and entertainment, attracting UK tourists, with over half a million Brits visiting last year. Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, discusses the city's recovery from the pandemic and its focus on enhancing visitor experiences. He highlights the importance of the UK market and competition with the Middle East in hosting major sports events like football and Formula 1. Hill emphasizes Las Vegas' unique appeal, offering unmatched entertainment and residencies.

Takeaways

• 🎰 Las Vegas, known as 'Sin City', is rebranding itself as a hub for sports and entertainment.
• 🌍 Over half a million UK visitors traveled to Las Vegas last year, marking a strong recovery post-COVID.
• 🛫 Las Vegas has fully recovered from the pandemic and is adding more direct flights, particularly from the UK, its largest overseas market.
• 🏎️ Las Vegas has become a significant destination for major sports events, including football and Formula 1.
• 🤝 Steve Hill, CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, notes that the city is adding more opportunities for visitors rather than changing its identity.
• ✈️ Pre-pandemic, nearly a million UK visitors came to Las Vegas annually, and the city is working towards regaining that number.
• 📊 Las Vegas is not directly competing with the Middle East for sports events, but both regions are helping elevate global sports entertainment.
• 🎤 The entertainment offerings in Las Vegas are vast, with various residencies and headline acts available every night.
• 🏆 Las Vegas and the Middle East are both important locations for hosting major sporting events, with each offering unique venues.
• 🌟 Steve Hill emphasizes that no place compares to Las Vegas in terms of the overall experience, combining sports with abundant entertainment options.

Q & A

What is Las Vegas traditionally known for?

Las Vegas is traditionally known for gambling, late-night activities, and its identity as 'Sin City.'

How is Las Vegas attempting to rebrand itself?

Las Vegas is rebranding itself as a hub for sports and entertainment, shifting its focus beyond gambling and nightlife.

Why is the UK an important market for Las Vegas?

The UK is important for Las Vegas because it was the largest overseas market before the pandemic, with nearly a million visitors from the UK, and now over half a million Brits visit annually.

Has Las Vegas fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19?

Yes, according to Steve Hill, Las Vegas has fully recovered from COVID-19, and the pandemic is behind them.

How is Las Vegas making it easier for UK visitors to travel there?

Las Vegas is recovering its direct flights from the UK and adding new ones to make it easier for people to visit.

Is Las Vegas competing with the Middle East for hosting sports events?

No, Steve Hill believes that Las Vegas is not in direct competition with the Middle East for hosting sports events. Both regions contribute to elevating sports on a global stage.

What are some of the major sports events being hosted in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is hosting major sports events such as football and Formula 1 in a big way.

What makes Las Vegas stand out as a destination for sports and entertainment?

Las Vegas stands out due to its unique experience, offering a variety of entertainment, including multiple residencies and headlining shows, alongside sporting events.

How does Las Vegas enhance the visitor experience during sporting events?

Las Vegas enhances the visitor experience by offering a wide range of entertainment options such as residencies and different headlining shows that visitors can enjoy alongside sports events.

How has Las Vegas's visitor numbers from the UK changed post-pandemic?

Before the pandemic, nearly a million visitors from the UK came to Las Vegas annually. Post-pandemic, the number has bounced back to over half a million.