Vegas on Sale

September 1, 2008 By: Glenn Haussman Travel Agent

---

As business slows, discounts and deals are in the cards

Las Vegas is on sale! That means it’s the perfect time to convince your clients to visit the Neon Jungle. For the first time in more than half a dozen years, Las Vegas seems to have more rooms available than guests coming to stay in them. The slowdown in business is pushing casino resort operators to offer deep discounts in the coming months in order to get folks to visit.

But why exactly is this happening? There are several reasons. Of course, a flagging economy is having its effect, as are continued concerns over the housing crisis. Rising gas prices are also causing people to reevaluate taking a vacation this year. However, the main culprit is a lack of business from Southern Californians. These gamblers are the predominant drivers of Las Vegas’ weekend business, and with many staying away, casino marketers are lowering rates.

Resorts are also throwing in lots of added values to make Las Vegas an affordable destination again. According to Ken Pomerantz, president and CMO of MLT (Worry Free Vacations), it’s best to get people to act now before prices return to normal. “Demand is down a little bit and there is overcapacity on the hotel side,” he says. “It’s a combination that is resulting in rates in Las Vegas being as low as they’ve been in years. The value proposition for customers is enormous because this is a market where brand-name luxury properties are coming down as much as 25 percent.”

Pomerantz said the deals that are currently available are so good that they are offsetting the recent increases in airfare.

Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations, is seeing the same phenomenon. “There are some really compelling price-points. On certain nights you can get Wynn Las Vegas for under $200, while Circus Circus is [as low as] $45,” says Going. He added that since the best deals are available during very specific times, it’s good to encourage travelers to be flexible in their arrival and departure dates. Of course, the best deals are to be had mid-week, while weekends typically cost more.

But it’s not just hotels on sale; seemingly everything is available at a discount. According to Tom Ludington, vice president product USA/Canada/Tahiti for GOGO Worldwide Vacations, there are lots of value-adds to be had. Even the prices of pool cabanas are dropping. Resort executives are hoping the freebies will goose business into returning.

“Look at rates we have today vs. a year or two ago,” says Ludington. “Now a five-star Vegas experience—with some value-added components of a package—can be had for the cost of a 3.5- to 4-star price, even with airfare included. It’s truly a great time to go.”

Ludington also recommends having the traveler leave on a Monday, when the best deals are typically available. Additionally, he says that while conventions will once again start filling rooms come fall, it’s not steady business. And many companies are sending fewer people, which leads to more discounted rooms. He said there are still plenty of weeks throughout the fall that are being discounted while others will be markedly more expensive.

“Las Vegas is the perfect alternative to the traditional vacation. You can pack a lot into a shorter stay, or just relax by the pool,” says Ludington.

Selling Las Vegas

It’s also a good time to make a commission, adds Going. While this market has traditionally been a destination people feel comfortable booking themselves, he said helping them plan and secure an affordable Vegas vacation is a great way to build a relationship for future business. “This is a key wallet-share destination and travel agents have a great opportunity with the current conditions to show phenomenal deals. That means they can prove the value they bring to the equation,” says Going, who notes that agent-booked rooms account for only around 20 percent of the rooms booked in the city. “There is room to grow here by focusing on your customer and holding on to them for life. Don’t let the customer hit the Internet.”

Here are some of the deals for your clients:

NWA WorldVacations and Worry-Free Vacations:
NWA and Worry-Free Vacations’ promotions include hotels with multiple offers such as two-for-one show coupons, two-for-one spa passes, two-for-one buffet dinners and up to 1,000 WorldPerks Bonus Miles in addition to credited flight miles. Travelers can stay at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with up to $75 savings on packages of $1,400 or more when booking between September 14 and October 4 and travel between September 21 and January 31, 2009. Another deal provides savings of up to $75 on packages at Harrah’s Resorts of $2,000 or more when booked between September 7 and September 20 for travel between September 14 and December 18. Both offers come with other bonus value inclusions. Agents can contact www.worldagentdirect.com.

GOGO Worldwide Vacations:
GOGO is offering a deal at The Palazzo with discounted meals and entertainment as well as a $25 Slot Credit Or Match Play, 25 percent discount at “Woo” and “Mainland” and two-for-one admission to the Lamborghini Showroom. Rates start at $310 per person for a three-night stay. In addition to meals and entertainment discounts at The Venetian, guests receive $25 Slot Credit Or Match Play with rates starting at $268 per person for a three-night stay if traveling before March 31, 2009.

Treasure Island’s “TI Book Now Offer” includes two-for-one lunch at The Buffet at TI, two-for-one drinks at Kahunaville Party Bar, free VIP viewing access for the Sirens of TI Show, free one-day passes to WET—The Spa & Salon at TI and free admission to the new Christian Audigier—The Nightclub. Rates start at $134 per person for a three-night stay when booked by September 30 with travel before January 28, 2009.

Finally, a deal for Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino includes $5 off breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch at the Spice Market Buffet and redeemable for up to four buffets, per coupon. Guests also get $40 Free Play as well as “Shopping & Dining Passport” at the Miracle Mile Shops, 10 percent off food or beverage at Planet Dailies (up to four people on the check), two-for-one well drinks at The Playing Field and two-for-one admission to Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara, which includes access to fitness center, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub. Rates start at $163 per person for a three-night stay with travel before December 31.

Agents can visit www.gogowwv.com for more information.