Almost a year has passed since Las Vegas first shut down its hotel and casino operations due to COVID-19. Even after the limited reopening of the tourism-dominated city and its non-essential facilities are subject to new regulations and restrictions, business is only lagging behind.
Since the tourism industry is kept afloat here mainly by the drive-in market, the number of visitors has reached the lowest level in almost 30 years, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. No wonder, then, that Las Vegas politicians, officials, casino owners, and other Las Vegas tourism stakeholders are keen to revive the city’s usual activity as quickly as possible, even if the experience looks a little different now.
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As COVID-19 vaccinations become increasingly available and infection rates are currently falling, Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak announced earlier this month that the state will be pulling back some health and safety restrictions in March. On and off the Las Vegas Strip, casinos will bring back smaller shows, reopen offers that have been suspended, and find new ways to attract visitors, Frommer reported.
While the capacity quotas in casinos and indoor bars and restaurants are currently limited to 35 percent – an increase of 25 percent in November – the upper limit will increase to 50 percent on March 15, according to Nevada’s “Roadmap to Recovery” plan, published this Month.
In anticipation of increased demand from the attraction reopening and expansion of capacity, MGM Resorts announced last week that three of its strip hotels – The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, and Park MGM – would begin operating 24 hours a day Resuming March 3, 2020, each of these resorts had closed during the week due to insufficient demand. But soon all MGM properties in Las Vegas – including Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, MGM Grand, New York-New York – will be open 24/7 again.
So we do Wednesday. … and pretty much every day. @circalasvegas @stadiumswim https://t.co/vgIVPan6ez
– Vegas (@Vegas) February 24, 2021
Vegas entertainment options still can’t compare to the plethora of pre-pandemic offerings, but wizards, stand-up comedians, and athletes are returning to perform in front of small audiences. Shows are currently limited to 100 people or 35 percent of the venue’s capacity (whichever is lower), but the limits are slated to increase to 250 or 50 percent of capacity on March 15.
Outdoor pools and open-air day clubs – including MGM’s Wet Republic, OMNIA at Caesars Palace and Liquid Pool Lounge at ARIA – are slated to reopen with the warmer weather in March. Capacity restrictions for al fresco dining will be lifted entirely, although social distancing and wearing masks will continue to be enforced when guests are not eating or drinking.
Increased health and safety measures will remain in place indefinitely, Forbes reported, including masking, social distancing, contactless ordering, and making reservations rather than granting general admission.
More information is available at visitlasvegas.com.
