You have had a focus on India for some time now, what kind of growth have you seen from this market in the last couple of years?
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Michael Goldsmith
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India is a market that we believe has great potential for increased visitation to Las Vegas. Las Vegas considers international tourism to be the future growth market, and this is why we are targeting 30 per cent international visitation in the next decade. We have seen international visitation numbers climb year over year, and we know that Indian travellers make up a promising portion of that total.
What are the key attractions of Las Vegas as a conference destination for Indian companies?
With 10.8 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space, 150,000 hotel rooms, and expertise in hosting groups of all sizes and descriptions, Las Vegas is the world’s premier meetings destination. Events held in Las Vegas regularly enjoy increased attendance, due in part to the availability of unparalleled dining and entertainment.
What is your promotional strategy for this market in the near future? How are you engaging the travel trade / conference organisers in India?
We have been an active participant in previous India missions organised by Brand USA and have witnessed a great response from our Indian travel trade partners. Like in previous years, we plan to participate in the Brand USA India Mission this year as well.
Your growth expectations for the near future?
The Las Vegas meetings and convention industry reached a five-year high in 2013 with 5.1 million delegates attending a convention, trade show, or meeting, reflecting a 3.3 percent increase over 2012’s total. The business community still has long-term confidence in Las Vegas as evident by the US$ nine billion worth of projects announced or under construction in the next several years.
Any interesting new product / tourism offering in Las Vegas which could be of interest to both MICE and leisure travellers from India ?
We’ve unveiled plans for a transformational project that will fundamentally alter the landscape of Las Vegas and cement our position as a global business centre. The Las Vegas Global Business District will reinvent the Las Vegas Convention Center as a state-of-the-art facility, create a centre of business and innovation and include a comprehensive multi-modal transportation experience throughout the destination. Las Vegas is a constantly evolving destination and has achieved the number one ranking for US trade show destinations 20 years in a row due to its diversity of offerings for both the business and leisure traveller.
