Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 34)

DESTINATIONS Las Vegas resort properties are cutting rates and offering value-added specials in a bid to increase midweek buisness VEGAS ON SALE As business slows, discounts and deals are in the cards LAS VEGAS IS ON SALE! THAT MEANS IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO CONVINCE YOUR CLIENTS TO VISIT THE NEON JUNGLE. For the first time in more than half a dozen years, Las Vegas seems to have more rooms available than guests coming to stay in them. The slowdown in business is pushing casino resort operators to offer deep discounts in the coming months in order to get folks to visit. But why exactly is this happening? There are several reasons. Of course, a flagging economy is having its effect, as are continued concerns over the housing crisis. Rising gas prices are also causing people to reevaluate taking a vacation this year. However, the main culprit is a lack of business from Southern Californians. These gamblers are the predominant drivers of Las Vegas’ weekend business, and with many staying away, casino marketers are lowering rates. Resorts are also throwing in lots of added values to make Las Vegas an affordable destination again. According to Ken Pomerantz, president and CMO of MLT (Worry Free Vacations) (www.worryfreevacations.com), it’s best to get people to act now before prices return to normal. “Demand is down a little bit and there is overcapacity on the hotel side,” he says. “It’s a combination that is resulting in rates in Las Vegas being as low as they’ve been in years. The value proposition for customers is enormous 34 | TravelAgent September 1, 2008 BY GLENN HAUSSMAN because this is a market where brand-name luxury properties are coming down as much as 25 percent.” Pomerantz said the deals that are currently available are so good that they are offsetting the recent increases in airfare. Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations (www.funjet.com), is seeing the same phenomenon. “There are some really compelling price-points. On certain nights you can get Wynn Las Vegas for under $200, while Circus Circus is [as low as] $45,” says Going. He added that since the best deals are available during very specific times, it’s good to encourage travelers to be flexible in their arrival and departure dates. Of course, the best deals are to be had mid-week, while weekends typically cost more. But it’s not just hotels on sale; seemingly everything is available at a discount. According to Tom Ludington, vice president product USA/ Canada/Tahiti for GOGO Worldwide Vacations (www.gogowwv.com), there are lots of value-adds to be had. Even the prices of pool cabanas are dropping. Resort executives are hoping the freebies will goose business into returning. “Look at rates we have today vs. a year or two ago,” says Ludington. “Now a five-star Vegas experience—with some value-added components of a package—can be had for the cost of a 3.5- to 4-star price, even with http://www.funjet.com http://www.gogowwv.com http://www.worryfreevacations.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Apartment Rentals Offer a Different View of Paris Pacific/Asia: Authentic Sarawak Culture and Longhouse Experiences are Highlights of a Visit to Malaysian Borneo South Pacific: Fiji’s Denarau Island Offers Paradise within a Paradise Las Vegas: As Business Slows, Discounts and Deals are in the Cards at Many Vegas Properties Central & South America: São Paolo, Brazil, is Ideal for Business or Leisure Vacations Caribbean: The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Offers Quiet Luxury Rosecita Jeffers Takes Over the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Cruises: Crystal Cruises is Making Plans and Changes for the Future Keeping Cruises Affordable with These 12 Tips for Clients Cover Story: Top Supplier Sales Reps Hotels: At Chicago’s Stylish Avenue Hotel, the Kids are all Right Bali is Reinventing Itself as a Family-Friendly Destination Tours: GOGO Worldwide Vacations Renews its Commitment to the Travel Agent Community Agent Profile: Ramesh Kalicharran Looked for His Roots and Helps Others Find Theirs Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo The YTB Controversy Rages On The Latest News From the Caribbean Australia Promotes Australia New Flagship to Relaunch Orient Lines Classified Marketplace Agent Access In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.