A major international tourism expo will return to Las Vegas in 2013, bolstering the destination's strong growth in the meetings and conventions arena.
Las Vegas hosted the International Pow Wow in 2008, a year which set the city's all-time attendance record. The 2013 Pow Wow will show off the destinations $22 billion in new offerings created since 2008. Las Vegas is forecasting a record year for 2012, expecting over 40 million visitors of which about 15 percent will be international travelers.
"Las Vegas is more vibrant than ever and continues to reinvent itself as an international tourism destination," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and chair of the U.S. Travel Association. "We look forward to hosting the delegates for IPW 2013 and creating a memorable experience that will showcase everything Las Vegas has to offer."
The destination is expecting its third straight year of visitor growth in 2012, and has added over 25,000 new hotel rooms since 2008 to total 151,000 rooms. International visitors have increased over the same period, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total spend in Las Vegas resorts.
"We are particularly enthusiastic about the vast, untapped potential of international travel to Las Vegas, and Pow Wow provides a world stage," said Ralenkotter. "International travel is a key growth market for Las Vegas tourism, which is why we have set a long-term goal of 30 percent international visitation in the next decade."
The return of IPW is a sign of not only Las Vegas' strenght as a meetings destination market, but the destination's attractiveness to international visitors looking to spend big for a luxury experience. A new international terminal will open this June at McCarran International Airport, allowing airlines to add to the 173 weekly flights from 19 international destinations as demand increases.
"With endless entertainment, culinary and shopping options along with favorable currency exchange rates and great values, Las Vegas has never been a more attractive travel proposition for international tourists," said Ralenkotter. "Additionally, we continue to create more accessibility for the international traveler by securing more non-stop flights from key countries."