To encourage international visitation to the city, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority unanimously voted for a $2.5 billion upgrade to their convention center. The plans include aesthetic and technological goals designed to make the center a better competitor in today’s tourism industry by streamlining visitor experience.
Russi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the authority, says that while the main objective is to “fill rooms and put heads in beds,” the market demands a level of sophistication that will take time and resources. The authority is confident that if these demands are met the center will contribute significantly to fiscal growth, as in 2013 alone tourism is expected to have a $41 billion impact on the local economy.
The center will boast both full and quick-service restaurants, myriad shops, green courtyards, and a wellness center. A transportation hub will facilitate easy access for taxis, limos, busses, and, one day, a high speed train. What’s more, visitors will be able to seamlessly connect their wireless devices from anywhere on-site.
The renovations are still in preliminary planning, and the finished product could take up to a decade. Despite extensive time projections, Secretary and Treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building Construction Trades Council, Darren Enns, says “this is the type of project that could turn us around completely,” and Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly asserts “I think this makes a lot of sense, and what a legacy to leave behind.”
For more information on the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Center renovations visit http://www.lvrj.com/business
