Survey finds Vegas visitors spending more

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 | 11:13 a.m.

Visitors to Las Vegas spent close to 80 percent more during their stay in 2002 compared to the prior year, according to a survey released Monday by QMark Research & Polling of Las Vegas.

On average, visitors spent about $844 last year, up from about $469 in 2001, the survey said.

The largest percentage of visitors -- 33 percent -- spent from $251 to $500 on their trip, though 29 percent spent up to $1,000 and 19 percent spent more than that amount.

About 94 percent of visitors gambled while in town, down from 96 percent in 2001 but in line with 2000.

About 72 percent dined at fine restaurants in 2002, up dramatically from only 25 percent in 2001 but in line with 2000.

About 65 percent shopped last year, compared with 68 percent in 2001 and 67 percent in 2000. And about 62 percent watched showroom entertainment in 2002, up significantly from only 34 percent in 2001 and 56 percent in 2000.

Also, 89 percent of respondents said they were "very likely" to return to Las Vegas within the next two years. Sixty-two percent rated their overall experience "very good," up from 47 percent in 2001 and 60 percent the prior year.

Most travelers -- 65 percent -- said they made travel arrangements on their own last year, while 10 percent bought complete tour packages and 24 percent bought transportation and hotel packages but made other arrangements themselves. That compares to 67 percent, 7 percent and 26 percent in each respective category in 2001.

QMark conducted individual interviews with more than 600 Las Vegas visitors between October and December at various Strip locations and downtown. Respondents stayed a minimum of two nights in town.

Results compare to a 2001 visitor survey by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, the city's chief tourism agency, which found that visitors spent a mean of about $700 on food, drink, shows, sightseeing, shopping, transportation and hotel stay based on three nights and a mean of $85.34 for a non-discount hotel room.

The greatest percentage of visitors who gambled -- 30 percent in 2001 -- said they spent at least $600 on wagers, the agency found.

In that survey, 86 percent said they gambled while in Las Vegas in 2001, up from 85 percent in 2000 but down from 89 percent in 1997.