LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – For the first time in 21 months, millions of fully vaccinated international tourists will be allowed to visit the United States starting November 8, and Las Vegas will be one of their top travel destinations.
For months, local experts have been saying Las Vegas tourism numbers have been strong, but they’re not quite back where they were before the pandemic. The lack of international tourists is a major reason for this.
In 2019, Las Vegas welcomed approximately 5.7 million international travelers, which meant an economic impact of $ 4.8 billion for the city, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
In each of the past two years, Las Vegas has lost almost all of its money due to travel bans related to COVID-19.
Many local industries depend on these travelers, from hotels to casinos to conventions, but perhaps no more than the wedding industry.
Before the pandemic, international weddings made up about 90% of Joni Moss-Graham’s wedding planning business, LV Wedding Connection. She says she’s happy to get some of this deal back, especially since there are about 30 international couples who haven’t canceled their plans with her and have been waiting for the borders to reopen so they can celebrate their Las Vegas wedding .
“Well, with today’s news, we’re really excited,” she said. “And I’m even more pleased to announce that, even before the news got out today, I got my first booking from France for November and another one for December 27th on Monday of this week. So, they are ready. They want to come. “
“I’m excited,” added Moss-Graham. “I really love the international travelers because they love being here. They are honored to come to the United States and, of course, Vegas. And third, ‘we’re getting married’.”
She says her biggest concern now is making sure that all of the companies she works with, such as catering, transportation, decoration and more, have enough staff to cater to all couples looking to get married in the marriage capital of the world.
LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill sent a statement to 13 Action News that reads:
“Today marks a major turning point in the recovery in international visitor numbers that are essential to the Las Vegas tourism industry. This milestone is also important and welcome news for many of our major trade shows and congresses, which attract exhibitors and attendees from all over the world. We appreciate the federal administration is working with the travel industry to work towards a safe reopening of international travel from November 8th. We look forward to welcoming our sorely missed international visitors again. “
