John Locher / AP
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Right, tours the T-Mobile Arena with John Flynn, left, vice president of administration at MGM Resorts International, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 | 6:15 p.m.
A year after the coronavirus pandemic hobbled tourist-dependent Nevada and raised the unemployment rate to around 30%, things appear to be turning, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen said Tuesday.
Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, toured New York-New York on the Las Vegas Strip and the nearby T-Mobile Arena as part of her work as chair of a new Senate subcommittee focused on tourism and travel.
“I think everyone is hopeful. You’re excited, ”said Rosen. “People feel positive when it comes to safely moving forward and being careful.”
The Senator spoke to reporters from a lounge in the arena overlooking the ice rink where the Vegas Golden Knights play. Rosen was guided on the tour by Dan Quinn, vice president and general manager of the arena, who explained how the facility had adapted to the slowly increasing ceilings for visitor capacity set by the governor.
In Las Vegas and Clark Counties, capacity limits increased from 50% to 80% on Saturday and will be lifted when 60% of the county’s eligible residents have received at least one vaccination shot.
Rosen said that while companies need to take precautions to ensure people can return safely, they are not convinced that there should be government requirements for “vaccination passes,” certificates that show someone is against COVID-19 vaccinated and would allow them to enter places like stadiums.
“We have to find a good way to compromise and protect everyone. I’m not sure if a passport is the way to go. I think we can do many other things to build consumer confidence and get back together, “she said.
The senator said if people don’t take the vaccine, rigorous COVID-19 testing and contract tracking will still need to be done to keep people safe, along with other measures like wearing masks.
Rosen said her casino tour included a visit to the front desk, where guests can now use contactless, digital check-in and digital room keys.
“I think that was a great step forward,” said Rosen.
The senator said the tourism, trade and export promotion subcommittee she chairs will shortly focus on the impact COVID-19 has had on international travel, a major driver of visitors to Las Vegas, and hospitality workers.
Rosen, who once worked as a waitress at Caesars Palace, also toured a health center for the Culinary Union of Casino Workers.
