Las Vegas is hoping for a tourism revival, led by its new $9.5 billion CityCenter development, writes Katherine Field.
It's been a tough couple of years for Sin City.
The global financial crisis hit the gambling capital hard, with less people travelling and willing to splurge at Las Vegas casinos.
MGM Mirage's $9.5 billion CityCenter project, the Aria Resort and Casino, in Las VegasCredit: Reuters
It was hoped that the new $US8.5 billion ($A9.5 billion) CityCenter, a 27 hectare hotel, restaurant and shopping precinct opened in December, would bring people back to the city.
The jury's still out.
MGM Mirage, which owns CityCenter with Dubai World, reported a bigger than expected first quarter loss, in May.
Centrepiece, ARIA Resort and Casino had an operating loss of $US66 million ($A73.7 million).
John Bischoff, the vice president of international brand strategy for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, admits times have been tough but believes the tide is beginning to turn.
"We have seen signs of improvement," Bischoff said.
"Our visitor numbers have increased for five consecutive months through January, which is a positive sign.
"Occupancy continues to remain approximately 25 to 30 points above the national average, which shows there is still a demand to travel to Las Vegas."
In 2009, 34 million visitors headed to Vegas, down three per cent from the previous year.
Bischoff says he expects visitor numbers to grow by two to five per cent this year, and believes CityCenter will play a big role.
The new area located on The Strip is certainly worth a look. It is like nothing else in Vegas.
Eco-friendly, with lots of light and space, it boasts four hotels, a casino, a luxury shopping centre and 42 restaurants and bars.
The centrepiece is ARIA, with 4,004 rooms with beds to rival the best in the world, and technology that can be a little complex, but forward looking, with touch screen features all around.
It is home to a world class casino and the new Cirque Du Soleil Viva Elvis show.
Across the road from ARIA, is the sophisticated Data Hotel and Spa, considered a boutique hotel, with 1495 rooms. It has a quieter feel.
Vegas is famous for outlet shopping, but there's none of this at CityCenter.
Instead it's Crystals, a high end shopping complex with an unprecedented number of luxury brands from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Hermes, and two restaurants from acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck. Actress Eva Longoria Parker also has a nightclub here.
With Vegas tourism bodies desperate to get people travelling here again, there's great deals to be had.
I was among four Australian journalists invited to check out Vegas, joining a writer from a women's health magazine, a freelancer, and an editor of a men's magazine.
What would we all get out of Vegas? Well, the end result showed there was something for everyone.
From shows, to nightclubs, restaurants, sport, the obligatory gambling and even strip clubs, we experienced it all.
But there were two surprises on this trip:
The first: the variety and quality dining experiences.
While New York is considered the food capital of the US, Vegas shouldn't be discounted. Many of the world's most famed chefs have restaurants here.
Three star Michelin restaurant Jol Robuchon and Alex at Wynn will satisfy the high end market, while new Mediterranean restaurant Silk Road at Vdara and Charlie Palmer's Aureole, famous for its wines, will also please.
The second surprise: outdoor activities.
Drive half an hour out of the city and you're in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Just out of Vegas you can visit The Grand Canyon, and Red Rock Canyon area. For skiers, just 45 minutes away is Mount Charleston, the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort.
There's plenty to do in Vegas, no longer a seedy gambling town.
And, looking ahead Vegas is pinning its hopes on securing different types of major big events to draw in tourists.
It hosted the USA Sevens International Rugby League Tournament in February, the Professional Bull Riders World Cup in April and looking ahead will host the NHL Awards Banquet in June, and the NASCAR Awards Banquet in December.
OUTDOORS:
Pink Jeep Tours - Red Rock Canyon Tour.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a short drive, about 20 minutes from the city, has stunning scenery and is used as a backdrop for numerous movies. Head out in a jeep, it's the best way to see it up close.
Grand Canyon - Maverick Helicopter tours.
A helicopter trip will give you an experience unlike no other as you explore the vast ravines.
RESTAURANTS:
Silk Road - Vdara
Mediterranean cuisine meets Asian flavours in bright and colourful surrounds.
Joel Robuchon - Fine dining at its best from the French master.
If you're up for it, a 16-course tasting menu is the way to go.
For a slightly more relaxed restaurant, that'll leave you with more money to gamble with, try L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Just next door.
If French cuisine's your thing also don't miss Alex at Wynn.
For an interesting experience, and for lovers of wine try Charlie Palmer's modern American cuisine style restaurant, Aureole at the Mandalay Bay Resort.
The feature of this restaurant is a temperature controlled four storey wine tower, which works on a pulley system featuring staff going up and down on ropes.
Nove Italiano - Palms Casino Resort
At the top of Palms Casino, the restaurant has delicious Italian food with breathtaking views.
IF YOU GO:
Details: visit: www.visitlasvegas.com.au
Hawaiian Airlines offers three weekly nonstop flights from Sydney to Honolulu, with onward connections to neighbouring islands, and 10 US mainland destinations, including three daily flights to Las Vegas.
Hawaiian has a partnership in Australia with Virgin Blue, offering joint fares from 20 destinations to Hawaii, flying via Sydney.
Visit: www.hawaiianairlines.com.au, or call 1300-669-106.
The writer was a guest of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
AAP
17-05-10 0501
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