Vegas Is Making a Comeback. Yeah, Baby.

Well...... maybe not so fast. But it's encouraging to know that they get it. Vegas is driven by the leisure travel industry, focusing on gaming, parties, shows, and hospitality in general. This we know.

But what if the travel industry in Sin City were to consider the current state of the economy in its pleas for increased travel. According to this article, they are: http://www.hotelworldnetwork.com/lasvegas. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out--whether I'll just keep receiving the same "stay two free nights" promotions in my email or perhaps something a little more alluring. The fact remains that the great bulk of weekend business in Las Vegas comes from California and Arizona, and that's because a car-load of wild and crazy guys can get there from either location on little more than a tank of gas.

So if most of the recent travel news is correct, in noting that Americans increasingly see travel as a right rather than a luxury, then Vegas is still potentially a good deal for a short trip in the Southwestern U.S. They just need to tone down the decadence and the bling, and explain to me why I am doing my wallet and psyche a favor by going there rather than elsewhere.

Here are a few less predictable reasons the Las Vegas CVB should recommend that you Angelenos and Phoenicians consider Vegas for your next trip:

• A car load of people is a greener way to travel than by plane (better yet, take the Greyhound or train, or don't and say you did).
• Car trips with friends are a much better way to pass the time if you are jobless and bored.
• You don't have a gambling problem, but how can you ignore the possibility of rescuing your 401(k) in one night.
• Has the economy got you feeling down and out? There's probably not a more distracting place on earth for most adults than Vegas.
• You can finally enjoy some of the city's more exclusive offerings in peace, now that the crowds are smaller.
  

Final note: The sooner this market turns around, the easier it will be to get some of MY PROJECTS off the ground in LV, and they are undoubtedly value oriented. I don't understand why the banks don't get this.

Okay, Final Final Note: I truly don't care much for Vegas, although this blog entry (and perhaps the time of night) has convinced me otherwise. Seriously, when my wife and I go together and catch a nice dinner and show, it's really a fun place. We may have to schedule another trip soon....