Strong Signs Of Leisure Travel Growth in Las Vegas

As a destination in economic recovery, Las Vegas has struggled in recent years to return to pre-recession levels of leisure travel. New data and openings show that more visitors than ever are likely to visit Sin City in 2012.

A new study from AdGooroo finds that Las Vegas will be the number one travel destination in the U.S. this summer, with Disney and Florida trailing, based on Internet search traffic. The study also found that online travel buyers are looking for deals, making it more important than ever for travel agents to make their value propositions well known to their clients. Of interest to travel agents as well: The most searched for travel-related queries had to do with transportation, not lodging or activities.

And in terms of transportation, Las Vegas is set for a major boost to its air capacity with the   impending opening of Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport. The airport has released a new guide detailing the features and amenities of the terminal, which will offer enhanced check-in and baggage facilities along with 14 new aircraft gates. The guide also details the terminal's unique art installations and the various connections to the airport's other terminals and waiting areas. With this increased capacity, it is likely that McCarran will once again break incoming visitor records in 2012.