LV Strip attractions in sales pact

David Strow

Monday, Nov. 8, 1999 | 11:10 a.m.

In what's being described as the first venture of its kind in Las Vegas, four popular tourist attractions are allying themselves in an effort to cross-promote their businesses.

In an announcement this morning, officials at "Star Trek: The Experience," Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter, the Race for Atlantis and the Stratosphere's "Big Shot" ride said they will now sell discount ticket packages for all four attractions. The packages will be sold at all four locations for $37.95.

It's a signal of the growing popularity of attractions in the Las Vegas tourist mix -- what promoters call "a Disneyland for adults."

"It's an interesting opportunity," said Jeff Victor, vice president and general manager of Star Trek. "In a city of competitors, often times, there's not enough working together. We agreed that this is a good opportunity for both tourists and ourselves."

Star Trek is a themed motion simulation ride located within the Las Vegas Hilton. Race for Atlantis, also a motion simulator, is located at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace.

The Big Shot is a ride at the top of the Stratosphere Tower that propels riders 160 feet in 2.5 seconds to a maximum height of 1,080 feet. Madame Tussaud's, the latest attraction to open, is a wax museum in the Venetian hotel-casino.

By selling the packages at all four properties, the four operators believe they can increase traffic through a much wider presence.

"We've chosen facilities we thought were similar in entertainment value, that had high entertainment value," said Victor, who coordinated the marketing alliance between the properties over a four-month period. "We knew we had visitors going from one attraction to another in what we speculated was a handful of like facilities around town. By grabbing the top four or five, we could direct customers to the best locations in town."

Madame Tussaud's became involved "because they are a new attraction, and they're eager to be associated with other top attractions in the Las Vegas area," said Alison Smith, spokeswoman for Madame Tussaud's. "It's really a great value for the Las Vegas visitor."

Ticket sales will begin immediately, but Victor said the package probably isn't complete.

"We'd like to include one more (attraction)," Victor said. "We'll be very selective about who we invite.

"Rather than customers having to pick and choose ... we've decided for ourselves what partners will be included. We feel very strongly that these are attractions the customers will enjoy."