The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has released its 2024 Visitor Profile, revealing that most visitors to Las Vegas found the city met or exceeded their expectations. However, satisfaction levels varied based on income, with wealthier visitors generally more content with their experiences compared to lower-income tourists.
The report, now in its 50th year, was compiled from 5,418 interviews conducted through both in-person and online surveys. Key findings indicate more repeat visitors and higher spending, especially from higher-income individuals. There has been a demographic shift with fewer 20-somethings and an increase in millennial and Gen X visitors.
Visitor satisfaction reached high levels, with nearly nine in ten expressing being “very satisfied” with their visit. Yet, cost remained a significant complaint, with 18% of visitors citing expenses as their primary issue. Other notable grievances included short trip durations and hotel quality.
The report highlighted a significant increase in spending on lodging, dining, and shopping, while gaming participation remained high, with 78% of visitors gambling. Despite this, the time spent gambling has decreased to an average of 2.5 hours per day, a reduction from historical norms.
Visitor demographics showed a trend towards more employed, well-educated individuals with higher incomes. The average visitor age was 43.6 years, and international visits stabilized, with 12% of visitors coming from abroad.
Downtown Las Vegas continues to attract visitors, with over half including it in their itinerary. Additionally, more visitors are planning and booking their trips further in advance compared to previous years, and the average stay has slightly increased.
Amidst these findings, LVCVA executives are preparing for potential challenges, including lower tax revenues and economic uncertainties. Concerns about international travel, especially from Canada, and the possibility of a recession are influencing budgetary considerations. The organization is cautious about the future, recognizing the need to adapt marketing strategies to maintain visitor interest and manage financial expectations.