4 DAYS IN THE NEW LAS VEGAS
Let me be the first to say that I haven't been to Las Vegas in twenty-three years. As I dined at Mon Ami Gabi's outdoor cafe across from the Bellagio fountains, I observed the comings and goings of the city for over an hour. Vegas has really cleaned itself up since I last visited. Maybe a somewhat negative impression many years ago kept me away. If you love shows (Garth Brooks, Cher, Phantom, Lion King, Cirque du Soleil and much more), wonderful dining and warm weather, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip to Las Vegas.
Monday morning as I walked out of Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, I immediately boarded a shuttle which took me to the car rentals. There were several hotels off the strip which I had researched and could not wait to inspect. Some of my clients are families or are those who don't want to stay on the strip but do want to be close enough to venture in and enjoy the shows and dining. I was on a mission and I had mapped out my route the night before. My time is well spent when I find a gem, which doesn't always happen. However this trip I was rewarded. The resort, located about 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip does not have a name yet. I walked through the hotel with the Director of Sales and Marketing who assured me they would be opening the first week in February. The resort layout allows easy access to a charming village and nearby lake. I was told that the opening rates were going to be excellent. They are also considering providing a complimentary daily shuttle to and from the strip. I will be closely monitoring this development.
The real purpose of my trip was to take part in a three day conference where several thousand travel professionals convened, desiring to learn and share information. Tuesday morning started with training from the Travel Institute, which serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Its mission is to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence through professional certifications and customized learning solutions. They offer worldwide destination specialist courses and exclusive computer based webinars on technology, exotic destinations, and daily industry newsletters which contain up to the minute travel industry news from a wide range of sources.
We than heard from Hawaii's top tourism representatives who highlighted enhancements on the islands. "Insider tips" were a part of their message. The travel agent website created by the Hawaii tourist board has seen a makeover and will assist me in creating special memories for my clients.
The afternoon featured a fast paced, information-intensive roundtable approach highlighting specialty cruising on board small vessels. In five minute sessions, a high ranking executive from each line gave us a brief overview of the line and new itineraries featuring exciting destinations for 2011.
It is Tuesday evening, somewhat of an off night in terms of Las Vegas standards. Monday night we were able to secure second row seats for Phantom of the Opera playing at the Venetian, at half price. The theatrics were amazing and delighted the audience. The performances by the main characters - Christine, Raoul and of course the Phantom - were outstanding. This type of theater is what so many come to Vegas for.
Wednesday,December 8th featured a breakfast/general session with presentations from several large, very reputable tour operators. Attendees chose from a variety of session topics and broke into groups. Two expert agency owners unveiled their top picks for the best hotels and resorts worldwide. With practical travel advice and a touch of humor, they revealed their top properties and the enhancements that were being offered in 2011.
The whole afternoon was dedicated to one of the leading trade shows in the industry, including many preferred suppliers. We have the opportunity to meet with suppliers and learn about their new products. This allows important relationship building with suppliers. Their reps are very enthusiastic and conversant in their area of specialty. With all of the brochures I collected, needless to say on the plane ride home I needed help hoisting my carry-on into the overhead.
Wednesday evening was a private event at Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace. The music and atmosphere were something to experience! Again I'm not sure why I was so surprised at the seamless execution of the evening, as Vegas is all about entertaining with a distinct flair.
The last day featured a general session, more tradeshow discoveries, and than sessions following with advice on planning honeymoons, girl-getaways and upscale family fun. As Italy is annually a top destination, the Italian Tourist Board had a wonderful presentation about its diverse offerings.
In conclusion: The intrigue of this destination is that it really can be whatever you want. Would you prefer to stay off the strip? Relax in a five star resort and come in at night for dinner and a play. Want to be by the action? There is a new luxury resort opening on the strip December 15th. If offers a location in the heart of the strip and several room categories with over sized private terraces with amazing views of the city skyline.
If I have a young family I would probably want to stay 25 minutes outside of the strip. In my humble opinion Mandalay Bay on the south end of the strip has the best pools in Las Vegas. If you want to stay on the strip but not as close to the action, this may be the place for you. If coming to Vegas with adults, the center of the strip near the new City Center and the Bellagio is an ideal location as you are able to walk to just about everything.
Monday morning as I walked out of Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, I immediately boarded a shuttle which took me to the car rentals. There were several hotels off the strip which I had researched and could not wait to inspect. Some of my clients are families or are those who don't want to stay on the strip but do want to be close enough to venture in and enjoy the shows and dining. I was on a mission and I had mapped out my route the night before. My time is well spent when I find a gem, which doesn't always happen. However this trip I was rewarded. The resort, located about 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip does not have a name yet. I walked through the hotel with the Director of Sales and Marketing who assured me they would be opening the first week in February. The resort layout allows easy access to a charming village and nearby lake. I was told that the opening rates were going to be excellent. They are also considering providing a complimentary daily shuttle to and from the strip. I will be closely monitoring this development.
The real purpose of my trip was to take part in a three day conference where several thousand travel professionals convened, desiring to learn and share information. Tuesday morning started with training from the Travel Institute, which serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Its mission is to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence through professional certifications and customized learning solutions. They offer worldwide destination specialist courses and exclusive computer based webinars on technology, exotic destinations, and daily industry newsletters which contain up to the minute travel industry news from a wide range of sources.
We than heard from Hawaii's top tourism representatives who highlighted enhancements on the islands. "Insider tips" were a part of their message. The travel agent website created by the Hawaii tourist board has seen a makeover and will assist me in creating special memories for my clients.
The afternoon featured a fast paced, information-intensive roundtable approach highlighting specialty cruising on board small vessels. In five minute sessions, a high ranking executive from each line gave us a brief overview of the line and new itineraries featuring exciting destinations for 2011.
It is Tuesday evening, somewhat of an off night in terms of Las Vegas standards. Monday night we were able to secure second row seats for Phantom of the Opera playing at the Venetian, at half price. The theatrics were amazing and delighted the audience. The performances by the main characters - Christine, Raoul and of course the Phantom - were outstanding. This type of theater is what so many come to Vegas for.
Wednesday,December 8th featured a breakfast/general session with presentations from several large, very reputable tour operators. Attendees chose from a variety of session topics and broke into groups. Two expert agency owners unveiled their top picks for the best hotels and resorts worldwide. With practical travel advice and a touch of humor, they revealed their top properties and the enhancements that were being offered in 2011.
The whole afternoon was dedicated to one of the leading trade shows in the industry, including many preferred suppliers. We have the opportunity to meet with suppliers and learn about their new products. This allows important relationship building with suppliers. Their reps are very enthusiastic and conversant in their area of specialty. With all of the brochures I collected, needless to say on the plane ride home I needed help hoisting my carry-on into the overhead.
Wednesday evening was a private event at Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace. The music and atmosphere were something to experience! Again I'm not sure why I was so surprised at the seamless execution of the evening, as Vegas is all about entertaining with a distinct flair.
The last day featured a general session, more tradeshow discoveries, and than sessions following with advice on planning honeymoons, girl-getaways and upscale family fun. As Italy is annually a top destination, the Italian Tourist Board had a wonderful presentation about its diverse offerings.
If I have a young family I would probably want to stay 25 minutes outside of the strip. In my humble opinion Mandalay Bay on the south end of the strip has the best pools in Las Vegas. If you want to stay on the strip but not as close to the action, this may be the place for you. If coming to Vegas with adults, the center of the strip near the new City Center and the Bellagio is an ideal location as you are able to walk to just about everything.
