Survey shows Las Vegas losing gamblers to other markets

Tuesday, July 28, 1998 | 2:04 a.m.

The survey by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows that among people with a propensity to gamble, the number of trips they take to Las Vegas over a five-year period declined from 11 to seven.

Tourism officials say the drop in visits shows off the need for Las Vegas to market itself more as an entertainment resort destination than simply a place to gamble.

"Las Vegas has always been known for its casinos," said Manual J. Cortez, president of the tourism agency. "But the other amenities that are here now, and those on the way, take us to the next level. The finest restaurants, shopping and resorts anywhere in the world can now be found in Las Vegas."

Cortez said the agency's survey showed that for the first time more people cited entertainment over gambling as the primary reason for their trip to Las Vegas. He said that is important as the city tries to keep its edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Over the next two years, five major resorts are opening in Las Vegas, adding 20,000 hotel rooms to the city's current base of 106,000 rooms.

At the same time, tourism figures for the first five months of 1998 continue to lag behind the same period in 1997.

The decrease has been a concern, although tourism figures were up in May compared to the same time a year ago.

Cortez noted that Las Vegas long ago lost its monopoly on legalized gambling and now must compete in other areas for tourists.

But he said the city offers much more than other gambling locations, and is continuing to add new attractions.