COMPASS-2-Spring 2021 | Page 49

A new offering at Bellagio , The Mayfair Supper Club features live music as well as full-scale productions on stage and throughout the restaurant for a unique , immersive dining experience .

got a revamp in January to energize a younger crowd looking for an expanding set of options . “ What happens here , only happens here ” seems to have hit that target on the cusp of openings that are sure to attract , delight and enthrall a new generation . One such anticipated opening is the MSG Sphere at The Venetian Resort , a “ reimagining of what is possible for live events and the arts ,” originally set to arrive in 2021 but now looking to 2023 .
Big Las Vegas Strip casinos are also renewing their offerings as gambling proceeds become a smaller percentage of annual revenue , which has fallen roughly 10 % since 2012 . Like so many properties on the Strip , MGM Resorts , which operates iconic destinations from The Mirage to Mandalay Bay , is set to ace this costume change . “ In the last few years , MGM Resorts has repositioned itself from being a hospitality and gaming company to a global entertainment brand as Las Vegas continues to evolve and guest expectations change ,” says Stacy Hamilton , executive director of public relations at the company . “ We believe , and we know our visitors believe , that every moment of their getaway is entertainment — whether that be the hotel they choose , the spa they visit , the restaurant they choose for dinner , or of course a more traditional show .” One of their hottest new experiences includes The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio , which Hamilton says , “ defies the typical dinner service with not only live music , but immersive , full-scale productions on stage and throughout the restaurant that make guests feel the show all around them .”
In addition to these new arts and entertainment opportunities is another jackpot for Vegas visitors — a slew of new professional sports options .
Kelly Messina , senior director of leisure sales at the LVCVA , explains , “ Sports are definitely an asset in promoting travel to Las Vegas , whether visitors are coming here specifically to see a game or adding it to their itinerary . While Las Vegas has a long sports history , until recently it ’ s been mostly with events ( NASCAR , National Finals Rodeo / PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals , NBA Summer League , championship boxing and UFC , etc .) rather than our own pro teams . That has been changing since 2017 with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights , Las Vegas Aces , Las Vegas Lights FC , and this fall , the Las Vegas Raiders , joining our longtime Triple-A baseball team , the Las Vegas Aviators .”
In addition to the city ’ s long-beloved assets , these compelling new elements make advisors even more crucial to attracting visitors to the city . In helping clients navigate the sea of options available , advisors can build better trips that inspire visitors to share their fun with others and come back to the city for more .
And , while Las Vegas is an easy sell , it isn ’ t always an easy destination for clients to book . Messina explains , “ People think , ‘ you come , you book your room , you automatically have fun ,’ but travel advisors are really an ambassador for us that can say , ‘ let ’ s take your trip to the next level .’” How best to do that ? It might be as simple as keeping up to date with what is new , what is unique , who is coming to town and when attractions are at their best .
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