Letter: Las Vegas has, fails to promote, culture

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007 | 7:35 a.m.

Regarding Kristen Petersen's Oct. 26 article, "Poll says last; we don't care":

Las Vegas has done a fabulous job of promoting itself with creative advertising slogans such as "What happens here, stays here," etc., but when it comes to promoting "cultural tourism" it fails in a spectacular way.

Yes, Las Vegas has culture, art, music , quaint neighborhoods and many other aspects that make a city livable. Unfortunately , our city leaders have failed to seriously recognize the importance of cultural tourism and the positive effect these visitors have on our economy.

As the city continues to grow and diversify, more and more visitors are arriving who are interested not necessarily in gaming but rather in the cultural amenities it has to offer.

Historic preservationists are at the forefront of saving the last vestiges of our past so we can share them with the world. Saving our historic neighborhoods downtown will be appreciated by a new class of tourists who will want to experience the softer side of Las Vegas.

I have worked as a curator and urban historian for almost 10 years and have noticed more and more visitors asking about old Las Vegas, especially affluent tourists from Europe. Downtown redevelopment will be successful if we can save and reuse our whimsical past.

City leaders must convince property owners of the gold mines they have on their hands that will be enjoyed by locals and people from around the world. Las Vegas will be a cultural mecca one day, but we have to save what is left to accomplish this.

Brian Paco Alvarez, Las Vegas